The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Producer to Revitalize Troubled Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.