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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as development advances.