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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 anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on 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 Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but players can expect additional details as production progresses.