The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.
