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

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.