2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Ambitious Title
The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership 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 playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.