🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation progresses.