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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.