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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 upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.