2K Hires Apex Legends Lead to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.