2K Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Revitalize Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.