🔗 Share this article 2K Hires Apex Legends Lead to Rescue Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game. Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall. On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity. Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires. A Pattern of Key Recruitment The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber. Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication: Hello Everyone— I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.” Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that. The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity. The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players. The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week. His management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends. Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow. The President Background of the Incoming Head Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked 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 Vision The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category." "Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands." The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.