The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.
