The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production advances.
