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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development progresses.