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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' 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 shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation advances.