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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as production continues.