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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position 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 a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.