2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production continues.
