🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.