🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed 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 Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes 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 Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production advances.