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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development progresses.