The Gaming Giant Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Rescue Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.