The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Boost Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.