The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation advances.
