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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know 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 note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development progresses.