The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as production advances.
