🔗 Share this article

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

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development progresses.