The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development progresses.
