The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on 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' lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.
