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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as production advances.