🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.