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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production advances.