The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as development continues.
