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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"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 official summary states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or platforms, but fans can expect further news as development progresses.