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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production continues.