The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production progresses.
