The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development progresses.
