🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.