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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"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 rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as production continues.