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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds 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 various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.