The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"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 description states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
