The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation advances.
