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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation advances.