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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer 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 iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as development progresses.