2K Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Boost Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

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

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation progresses.