🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"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 opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.