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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.