The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor 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 Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation continues.
