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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.

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. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as creation advances.