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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

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 removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience 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 major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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 description explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.