The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.
