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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - 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 team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as production continues.