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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

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

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.