The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.
