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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation continues.