The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.
