The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as development continues.
