The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. 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 innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed 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.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
