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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

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

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben 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 Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation advances.