The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.
