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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as production progresses.