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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 crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background 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 previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"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. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.