2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to more updates as production advances.
