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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead 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 Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe 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 looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

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

"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 description explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development progresses.