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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.