🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.