The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as production advances.