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

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as production advances.