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

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as production continues.