2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union 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, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as production progresses.