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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.