🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.