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

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation advances.