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

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. 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 dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as development progresses.