The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.
