The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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 official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.
