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The renowned publisher has appointed 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 Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes 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 lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"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 states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.