🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.