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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative 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 official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development continues.