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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game 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 fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development advances.