The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment 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.
Management Shift Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as creation progresses.
