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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production advances.