The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Boost Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

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

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development continues.