🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. 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 endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.