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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes 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 underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development continues.