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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation continues.