The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Producer to Rescue Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.