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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"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 description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.