🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development advances.