The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"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 description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as development continues.
