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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position 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 lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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 states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as creation advances.