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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 working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation progresses.