The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Boost Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement 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 states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.