The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production continues.