The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Producer to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.