The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.
