The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution 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 official summary states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.
