The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development advances.
