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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production advances.