🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as creation progresses.