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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.