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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development continues.