The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Follows Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation advances.
