2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"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 game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.
