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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. 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 partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.