The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.
