The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as development progresses.
