🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production advances.