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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.