🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

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 informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.