The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an official release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.
