The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Boost Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.