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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman 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 various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation continues.