2K Games has revealed a major change at Project Ethos developer 31st Union, confirming that studio head Michael Condrey–known best for the Dead Space and Call of Duty franchises–is transitioning to an advisory role before an expected exit. Sources told Kotaku that Condrey was fired, though 2K Games didn’t use that terminology and maintains it is “very committed” to the game and the studio.
A 2K spokesperson told Kotaku that it is “grateful to Michael Condrey for the dedication, passion, and work ethic it took to build an incredible team and shape the vision of 31st Union.” The statement went on to say that Condrey will be “transitioning his role in the short term” to become an advisor on Project Ethos.
“We remain very committed to the forward path for Project Ethos and the people and culture of the 31st Union studio,” 2K said.
In November, 2K parent company Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick said he “couldn’t be more proud” of the team at 31st Union and Project Ethos. 31st Union held an open test for the game at the end of 2024, and Zelnick said the team has been “enthused” about the feedback. “So we’re off to a great start, and there’s more to come,” he said.
GameSpot’s hands-on preview of Project Ethos said 2K’s first-ever live-service game had potential but suffers from an identity crisis.
This report came out just a day before Take-Two is due to report earnings on February 6. We will report back with new details on the situation surrounding Project Ethos if more information comes to light.
Condrey is best known for his work on the Dead Space and Call of Duty franchises. Condrey left Sledgehammer Games in 2018 to start the new 2K studio, while Sledgehammer’s other co-founder, Glen Schofield, left in 2018 as well and eventually started Striking Distance Studios, but left the company following the disappointing launch of The Callisto Protocol.
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