🔗 Share this article The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Boost Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game. Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall. On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision. The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations. A Pattern of Key Acquisitions The news follows a comparable action 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. Below is the full message from the president's memo: Hello Everyone— I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.” Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that. The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision. It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players. The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week. Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends. I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead. The President Background of the Incoming Leader Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders. Title Details and Concept The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category." "Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours." Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.