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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as production continues.