🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as production continues.