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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as production continues.