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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement 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 reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as production progresses.