The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as production progresses.
