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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting 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 description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production progresses.