The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Troubled Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement 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 official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.