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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.