2K Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

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

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"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 competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation continues.