2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire content from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction 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 advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as development continues.
