The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
