The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position 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 initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"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 reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.
