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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 anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as creation continues.