🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.