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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development continues.