2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.
