The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as production progresses.