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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as creation continues.