The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.
