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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio 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 periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"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 official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development advances.