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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.