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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent 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 pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production progresses.