The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.
