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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic 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 driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation continues.