The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head 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 a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.
