🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production advances.