Michael Condrey to lead ‘diverse’ new 2K studio in Silicon Valley

Former Electronic Arts and Activision executive Michael Condrey has joined 2K to lead its new Silicon Valley studio as president.

Condrey co-founded Call of Duty development studio Sledgehammer Games with Glen Schofield back in 2009. Leading the studio’s creative direction, production and business operations, Condrey’s "industry acumen played an integral role in bolstering one of interactive entertainment’s most distinguished franchises of all time", Call of Duty. He left in February 2018 to take up "new executive duties" in Activision.

Right now 2K isn’t confirming what project Condrey is leading on, but Condrey told GI.biz "the new outfit will be proactive in building a diverse workforce".

"This is definitely a personal priority for me," he tells us. "One of the most exciting things about setting up a new studio is the opportunity, from a clean canvas, to shape the commitment to culture from the start.

"Diverse teams are more creative, more innovative, hit deadlines better and ultimately create experiences that are compelling to the broadest audience possible. It’s hard to argue when you watch the critical and commercial success that films like Black Panther and Wonder Woman have achieved in Hollywood. Hiring people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints is critical for our new studio to grow and flourish. It also shows for future hires that there are people in all levels of the organization who represent beliefs and experiences like their own."

Sledgehammer Games co-founder, Glen Schofield, has also now left Activision Blizzard. "I’ve had a great run here at Activision; 3 CODs – MW3, AW and WWll – that I’m proud of," Schofield said in a tweet at the time. "I feel it’s time to try something new [though]. I’ll be leaving Activision end of Dec. and taking some time off to relax. Then off to something else exciting. Thank [you] Activision for everything!"

"I have nothing but good things to say about my time at Activision," Schofield added. "After nine years of CoD (which I love), I just think I need a change. I seriously am going to take my time finding my next gig. Make sure it’s exactly what I want to do. I still have a couple [of] good games in me."