The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.
