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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production advances.