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

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.