The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as development continues.
