The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.
