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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as creation advances.