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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as development advances.