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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on 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 lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development advances.