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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

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

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production progresses.