🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect further news as development continues.