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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position 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 fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. 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 talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as development continues.