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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"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 states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as production advances.