🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.