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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development progresses.