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

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

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 removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production continues.