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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.