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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.