The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on 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' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.
