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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader 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 a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"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 description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.