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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward 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 description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.