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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

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

Here is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as development advances.