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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production progresses.