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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development progresses.