The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development progresses.
