The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development advances.
