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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on 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 Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

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

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as creation advances.