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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.