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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"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 game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as creation advances.