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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 developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.