The Gaming Giant Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Boost Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.

Timothy Kennedy
Timothy Kennedy

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.