The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.
