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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"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 states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as production progresses.