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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can expect further news as production advances.