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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as development progresses.