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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

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 the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.