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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes 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 lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented 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! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as production progresses.