Annapurna's Game Studio Abandons Ship

The entire Annapurna Interactive team, the video game division of Annapurna Pictures, has resigned following a dispute with Megan Ellison. This mass exodus leaves the future of the publisher uncertain.

Annapurna Interactive Faces Staff Exodus After Failed Negotiations

The publisher behind acclaimed titles like Stray and What Remains of Edith Finch has lost its entire staff. Negotiations between employees and parent company Annapurna Pictures to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity reportedly failed, leading to the resignations, including that of former president Nathan Gary.

According to Bloomberg, all 25 team members resigned collectively. The team released a statement emphasizing the difficult nature of their decision.

Annapurna Pictures, however, assures partners that ongoing projects will continue to receive support, and the company remains committed to interactive entertainment. Megan Ellison stated their intention to integrate linear and interactive storytelling across various media.

The impact on indie developers partnered with Annapurna is significant, leaving them seeking clarification on the status of their agreements. Remedy Entertainment, whose Control 2 was partially funded by Annapurna Interactive, clarified that their deal is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing Control 2.

Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, has been appointed as the new president, reportedly assuring partners that contracts will be honored and staff will be replaced. This follows a recent restructuring announcement, also including the departure of Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella. The company's commitment to its existing projects remains to be seen.