2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Rescue Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.