2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Lead to Boost Troubled Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.