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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation advances.