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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation advances.