The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production advances.
