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 developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.
