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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game 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! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.