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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

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

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"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 states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.