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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position 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 unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution 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 fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as development continues.