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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development advances.