2K Hires Apex Legends Head to Boost Project Ethos

2K Brings in Former Apex Legends Leader to Boost Project Ethos

Take-Two Interactive and its subsidiary 2K Games are making major moves to boost the future of their San Francisco-based studio, 31st Union. The publisher has officially appointed Ben Brinkman, former head of production on Apex Legends, as the new studio head. Brinkman’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for Apex Legends' successor, Project Ethos, a free-to-play, roguelike, hero shooter currently in development that 2K hopes will become its next big hit.

A New Direction for Project Ethos

The appointment comes after a turbulent period for 31st Union. Less than a year ago, 2K parted ways with previous studio head Michael Condrey, following a lukewarm reception to Project Ethos’ public reveal. Earlier, the studio had also undergone minor layoffs, signaling deeper challenges behind the scenes.

Now, 2K seems determined to turn things around. In an internal email shared with Game Developer, David Ismailer, president of 2K, confirmed that Brinkman will officially join as studio head on October 20, 2025. His mission is clear: steer Project Ethos toward a stronger identity and help the title reach its full potential. For players who’ve followed the rise of competitive shooters, Brinkman’s name carries weight.

The developer's background at both Activision and Electronic Arts, including his leadership roles on Call of Duty: Black Ops and Apex Legends, makes him a natural fit for 31st Union’s ambitions. His experience in shaping fast-paced, competitive experiences could be the boost Project Ethos needs to find its footing in a crowded genre.

Learning from Player Feedback

According to Ismailer, community feedback from Project Ethos’ early playtests last fall played a key role in reshaping the project. He described the results as “enlightening,” noting that while the game showed promise as a roguelike shooter, players wanted something more distinctive.

“The feedback affirmed the potential of Project Ethos but showed us we had work to do,” Ismailer said. “The team took that feedback to heart and reimagined the game with a renewed vision, one that’s now positioned to deliver on its promise.”

This kind of iterative development isn’t new to Brinkman, who has overseen multiple live-service titles that required consistent balancing, boosting, and community engagement. His approach could help 31st Union refine Project Ethos into a hero shooter that not only attracts players but keeps them invested long-term.

2K’s Confidence After Apex Legends

Internally, 2K seems optimistic. Ismailer emphasized that confidence in Project Ethos is “growing every day,” crediting the development team’s dedication and the momentum created by Brinkman’s upcoming leadership. “Ben’s leadership in the PVP shooter space is extensive,” Ismailer wrote. “He’s spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming. We’re thrilled to have him guide Project Ethos toward becoming a new franchise that resonates with players around the world.”

The move signals 2K’s intent to re-enter the competitive shooter space with more force. After the success of titles like Apex Legends, the company clearly aims to capture part of that same energy by leveraging Brinkman’s expertise to boost Project Ethos’ development cycle.

2K’s Future in the Gaming Industry

Bringing in a veteran like Brinkman suggests 2K is serious about making Project Ethos a success. His history of improving and boosting live-service games could give the project the polish it needs to compete with giants like Apex Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch 2.

If Project Ethos can deliver a unique roguelike twist on the hero shooter formula, 2K might find itself with a standout entry in a highly competitive market. And with Brinkman now at the helm, the chances of that happening just got a significant boost.

Whether Project Ethos can climb the ranks and establish itself among the genre’s elite remains to be seen, but with fresh leadership and renewed vision, 31st Union’s next chapter is off to a promising start.

 

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