The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union 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 autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation continues.
