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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.