The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.
