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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation continues.