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

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.