🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production advances.