🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"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 description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation advances.