The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position 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 initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation continues.
