The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.