The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production continues.
