The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect additional details as production advances.
