The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe 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 looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation continues.