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

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.