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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer 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 this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development progresses.