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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to more updates as creation advances.