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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production advances.