Annapurna Game Division Departs, Casting Uncertainty on Future

Annapurna Interactive Faces Mass Exodus, Future Uncertain

The entire video game division of Annapurna Pictures, Annapurna Interactive, has resigned en masse following a dispute with Megan Ellison, according to reports. This unexpected development leaves the future of the publisher, known for titles like Stray and What Remains of Edith Finch, in question.

The mass resignation, encompassing the entire staff, stemmed from failed negotiations between employees and the parent company. Details remain scarce, but it appears that the team, under the leadership of then-president Nathan Gary, attempted to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. These efforts ultimately failed, leading to the resignation of over 20 employees in the wake of Gary’s departure.

A joint statement from the departed staff, as reported by Bloomberg, confirmed the collective resignation, emphasizing the difficult nature of their decision. Meanwhile, Annapurna Pictures, through Ellison, reassured partners of their continued commitment to existing projects and expansion within interactive entertainment. Ellison highlighted their focus on integrating linear and interactive storytelling across various media.

The ramifications of this exodus are significant. Indie developers who collaborated with Annapurna Interactive now face uncertainty, struggling to establish new points of contact and confirm the fulfillment of existing agreements. Remedy Entertainment, whose Control 2 received partial funding from Annapurna Interactive, addressed the situation via Twitter (X), confirming their deal is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing Control 2.

In response, Annapurna Interactive appointed Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, as its new president. Anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg indicate Sanchez has assured partners of the company's commitment to honoring contracts and replacing departed staff. This follows a previously announced restructuring of gaming operations, including the departure of Gary, Deborah Mars, and Nathan Vella. The company’s future remains uncertain, however, and the long-term impact on its partnerships remains to be seen.