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

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated 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 work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.