The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation advances.
