🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"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 official summary explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as production continues.