The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds 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 development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.
