The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes 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 content from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production progresses.
