2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Boost Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as production continues.