2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic 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 creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."

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