The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Producer to Boost Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation progresses.