2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as production continues.
