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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.