🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development continues.