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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes 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 Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect more updates as production progresses.