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

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect additional details as production continues.