The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as creation continues.
