The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, 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 pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"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 states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as development advances.
