The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production advances.
