The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time 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 work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After some time of talks, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.
