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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee 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 Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as creation continues.