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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on 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 lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as production continues.