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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed 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.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as creation progresses.