The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."
The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development progresses.
