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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 crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.