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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as development continues.