2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee 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 lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation continues.