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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.