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

Management Shift Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.