🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as development advances.