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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as production continues.