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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.