🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game 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 fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.