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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.