The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation advances.
