The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled 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 advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development continues.
