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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production 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, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as production progresses.