The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development continues.
