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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.