🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds 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 multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as development continues.