🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work 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 playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.