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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.