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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation continues.