The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Revitalize Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as development progresses.