The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

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

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation advances.