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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter 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 official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as creation continues.