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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.