The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"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 game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as development advances.
