The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Boost Challenged Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as development advances.