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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

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

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"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. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.