The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development continues.
