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

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.