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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation continues.