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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as development advances.