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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

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

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed 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 evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect more updates as production progresses.