2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Challenged Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.