The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Poor Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."
"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 official summary explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
