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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 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 real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.