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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation advances.