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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.