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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

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

Below is the full content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development advances.