🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

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

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently 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 series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting 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 description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development advances.