The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously 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 innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but players can expect more updates as development continues.
