The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development continues.
