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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position 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 disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation advances.