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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"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 official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production progresses.