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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 crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"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 description reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation advances.