The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.
