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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time 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 creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as production progresses.