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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production advances.