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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled 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 driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 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! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but players can expect further news as development advances.