🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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 explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as development continues.