The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
