The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Lead to Boost Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm 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 autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"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 description reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.