The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. 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 dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.
