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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

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