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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.