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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production continues.