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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously 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 excited for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to more updates as development advances.