The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"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 game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.
