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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation continues.