2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Rescue Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

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

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production progresses.