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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as production continues.