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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"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 states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.