The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.
