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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward 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 description reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation progresses.