The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, 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 collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.
