2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Boost Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.