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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation continues.