The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.
