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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead 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 Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.