2K Hires Apex Legends Producer to Revitalize Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development progresses.