The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as development continues.
