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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 working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

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