🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"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 official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.