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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"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. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development progresses.