2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Boost Troubled Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as development continues.