2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Boost Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.