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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"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 states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production progresses.