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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

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

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as creation advances.