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

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.