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

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production advances.