The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.
