The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation continues.
