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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

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

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.