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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.