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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position 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 underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development continues.