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

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know 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 note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.

Erik Jordan
Erik Jordan

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.