The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the full content from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on next week.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.
