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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as development advances.