The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete text from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production progresses.
