The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development progresses.