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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, 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 decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person 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 live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.