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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.