The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Hires
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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 match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.
