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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into 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 fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

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

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.