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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation continues.