The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as production progresses.
