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

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective 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! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.