The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
His management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.
