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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as creation continues.