🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as development progresses.