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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production advances.