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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.