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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

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

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

Hello Everyone—

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

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.