The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as development advances.
