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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.