🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development progresses.