The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.
