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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

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

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"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 official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.