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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 forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.

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

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development continues.