2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Lead to Revitalize Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development progresses.