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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"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 description reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can expect further news as development advances.