The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
