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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as production advances.