The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation advances.