The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
