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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust 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 driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but players can expect more updates as production advances.