The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development progresses.
