The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as production continues.
