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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.