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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as production continues.