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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement 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 official summary states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.