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

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.