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

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but fans can expect further news as creation advances.