2K Recruits Apex Legends Producer to Rescue Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution 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 game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect more updates as creation continues.