🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"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. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation advances.