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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.