The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.
