🔗 Share this article

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

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 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! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation progresses.