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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, 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 highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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 description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

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