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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.