🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously 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 creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.