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

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation advances.