The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation continues.
