The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Revitalize Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation progresses.