The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Lead to Boost Challenged Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production advances.