The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"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 official summary explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
