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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 over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.