🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.