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

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as creation continues.

Brittany Fitzpatrick
Brittany Fitzpatrick

An avid mountaineer and gear tester with over a decade of experience exploring Canada's wilderness and sharing practical outdoor insights.