The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go 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 official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games 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 content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development progresses.
