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 anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer 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 series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as development continues.
