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 upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
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 informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation advances.
