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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.