🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as development progresses.