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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as production advances.