The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Rescue Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development continues.