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

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.