The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, 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 refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective 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 live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development advances.
