Michael Condrey Departs 31st Union After Project Ethos’ Lukewarm Reception

In a major leadership shake-up, 2K Games has removed Michael Condrey from his position as president of 31st Union, following the disappointing reception of their highly anticipated multiplayer game, Project Ethos. Despite this leadership change, 2K Games remains committed to the project and the future of the studio.

Michael Condrey’s Journey: From Sledgehammer to 31st Union

Michael Condrey is a well-known name in the gaming industry. He co-founded Sledgehammer Games and played a key role in developing blockbuster titles like Dead Space and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. In 2019, he established 31st Union, a studio under the 2K Games umbrella, with the goal of creating a brand-new intellectual property (IP).

With its headquarters in San Mateo, California, and a secondary location in Valencia, Spain, 31st Union set out to develop a fresh, innovative multiplayer experience. This led to the creation of Project Ethos, a game that aimed to make a significant impact in the competitive gaming landscape.

Project Ethos: A Bold Concept That Fell Flat

First announced in October 2024, Project Ethos was designed as a free-to-play, third-person extraction hero shooter with roguelike elements. The game featured colorful visuals, reminiscent of Fortnite, and team-based shooter mechanics similar to other popular hero shooters.

However, the gaming community and critics were unimpressed with the initial reveal. IGN’s preview described it as feeling outdated upon launch, despite some promising gameplay mechanics. Many players felt that Project Ethos lacked originality, struggled with an identity crisis, and failed to offer anything truly groundbreaking compared to existing games in the genre.

Why Was Michael Condrey Removed?

On February 3, 2025, reports surfaced that 2K Games had removed Michael Condrey from his leadership role at 31st Union. This decision was likely influenced by the underwhelming reception of Project Ethos, as well as internal challenges within the studio.

A spokesperson for 2K Games stated:

“We are 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. Michael will be transitioning his role in the short term to focus on advising on the future of Project Ethos. We remain very committed to the forward path for Project Ethos and the people and culture of the 31st Union studio.”

This move comes at a critical time for 2K Games’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, which is set to announce its quarterly earnings on February 6. Historically, Take-Two has canceled struggling projects around earnings calls, sparking concerns about the fate of Project Ethos.

Challenges in Project Ethos’ Development

Insider reports indicate that Project Ethos faced a difficult development cycle. Under Michael Condrey’s leadership, the studio struggled with delays and design issues, which ultimately impacted the game’s reception. Despite the long development period, the final product failed to generate excitement among players.

The situation echoes a broader industry trend where multiplayer hero shooters have faced increasing scrutiny. In fact, just before Project Ethos’ beta tests, Sony shut down its high-profile sci-fi hero shooter, Concord, and issued refunds to disappointed players. This highlights the difficult market conditions for new live-service shooters, making it even more challenging for Project Ethos to succeed.

What’s Next for 31st Union and Project Ethos?

Despite Condrey’s removal, 2K Games insists that Project Ethos is still moving forward. The studio’s leadership will now have to reevaluate the game’s direction, address criticisms, and improve the overall experience.

For now, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how 31st Union navigates this transition and whether Project Ethos can recover from its shaky debut. With Take-Two’s financial report looming, many are wondering if the project will continue or if it will face a potential cancellation.

Conclusion: A Risky Future for Project Ethos

Michael Condrey’s removal as studio head of 31st Union marks a significant moment for 2K Games. His vision for Project Ethos may not have met expectations, but 2K is still pushing forward with the title.

The future of Project Ethos now depends on how 31st Union adapts to these challenges, responds to player feedback, and adjusts its gameplay design to compete in the crowded multiplayer shooter market.

As the industry moves into 2025, Project Ethos’ fate remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: 2K Games is not giving up just yet.