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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.