The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Lead to Revitalize Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.