The Gaming Giant Hires Popular Battle Royale Producer to Boost Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an official launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as creation continues.