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

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title 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! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development advances.