🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as production continues.