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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

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

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation progresses.