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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as production advances.