🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development continues.