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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as development advances.