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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer'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 stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated 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 progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation advances.