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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation progresses.