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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.