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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward 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 game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production continues.