🔗 Share this article 2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Troubled Action Game Ambitious Title 2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game. Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall. On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision. The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands. Trend of Strategic Hires The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group. Here is the full message from the president's communication: Team— I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.” Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that. The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity. It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience. Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date. Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends. I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow. The President Experience of the Incoming Leader Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts. Title Information and Vision The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre." "Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you." The game lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.