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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation advances.