🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation continues.