2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development advances.
