The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal 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 employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the full text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as creation progresses.