2K Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Rescue Troubled Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production progresses.