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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.