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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production advances.