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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.