The Gaming Giant Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Revitalize Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as production advances.

Tyler Porter
Tyler Porter

Tech journalist and gadget enthusiast with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics across the UK market.