🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective 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 live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.