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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production advances.