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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production progresses.