🔗 Share this article 2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title 2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos. Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall. Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer game identity. The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations. A Pattern of Strategic Hires The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group. Here is the complete content from the president's memo: Team— I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.” Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that. The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision. It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players. The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20. Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends. Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to come. The President Background of the Incoming Head Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts. Title Details and Concept The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is yours." The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as creation progresses.