2K Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Boost Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. 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 chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development continues.