The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"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 description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as production continues.
