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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 forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

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

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.