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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development progresses.