The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as creation advances.
