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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

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 multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"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 description reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation advances.