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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation continues.