🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation advances.