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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse 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 revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.