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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as production advances.