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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Response

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 the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.