🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation progresses.