The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"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 game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.
