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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

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

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.