2K Hires Apex Legends Lead to Boost Troubled Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"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 game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as development continues.