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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into 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 Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.