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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 upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative 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 explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect more updates as production advances.