The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes 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 Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect further news as production advances.
