The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 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 description reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."
The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
