The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following a period of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.
