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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development continues.