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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends 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 Change Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as creation continues.