The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full content from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.
