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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as production continues.