The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm 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 underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
