2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Lead to Rescue Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

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

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes 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 the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.