The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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 description explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.
