The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire content from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
