The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove 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 uncovered the need for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as production advances.
