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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.