The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman takes on 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 the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.
