The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.
