The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently 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 diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development advances.
