2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"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 reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation progresses.