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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including 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 eager to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee 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 iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development progresses.