🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation advances.