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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as development progresses.