🔗 Share this article

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

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development progresses.