Annapurna Interactive's Entire Game Division Resigns, Casting Doubt on the Future
A mass resignation has shaken Annapurna Interactive, the video game publishing arm of Annapurna Pictures. The entire staff, reportedly over 20 employees, resigned following failed negotiations with parent company Annapurna Pictures.
The Fallout at Annapurna Interactive
The publisher, known for titles like Stray and What Remains of Edith Finch, is facing uncertainty. The staff, led by former president Nathan Gary, attempted to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. However, these negotiations ultimately failed, leading to the mass resignation.
According to Bloomberg, Gary confirmed the collective resignation of all 25 team members. The team released a statement emphasizing the difficulty of their decision.
Annapurna Pictures' Megan Ellison has assured partners of continued support for current projects and a commitment to interactive entertainment. She stated their intention to integrate storytelling across various media.
The situation leaves several indie developers in a precarious position, questioning the future of their partnerships and contract fulfillment. Remedy Entertainment, involved in Control 2 with Annapurna, clarified that their agreement is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing Control 2.
Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, has been appointed as the new president. Sources suggest he has pledged to uphold existing contracts and replace departing staff. This follows a recent company restructuring and the departure of several key figures, including Gary and co-heads Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella. A previous reorganization of Annapurna's gaming operations preceded these events. For further details on this reorganization, please refer to our related article.