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

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.