The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production advances.
