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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as development continues.