The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed 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 the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
