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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently 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 various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.