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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident 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 relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as development advances.