2K Hires Apex Legends Producer to Rescue Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.