The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation continues.
