The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as development advances.
