The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"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. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation continues.
