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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.