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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.