The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Boost Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative 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 description states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.