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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.