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

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as development progresses.