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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development advances.