🔗 Share this article The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Producer to Boost Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title 2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos. Management Change Follows Mixed Response The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall. Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity. The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations. Trend of Strategic Acquisitions The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber. Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement: Hello Everyone— I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.” Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that. The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity. The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans. The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week. His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends. Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of the game in the time to come. David Experience of the Incoming Leader Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders. Game Information and Concept The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style." "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 official summary states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is yours." Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.