Annapurna Interactive Faces Uncertain Future After Mass Resignation

A dispute with Megan Ellison resulted in the entire Annapurna Interactive team, the video game division of Annapurna Pictures, resigning en masse.

The Fallout at Annapurna Interactive

Annapurna Interactive, publisher of acclaimed titles like Stray and What Remains of Edith Finch, experienced a complete staff exodus following failed negotiations with its parent company. The staff, under former president Nathan Gary, aimed to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. However, negotiations stalled, leading to over 20 employees resigning in the wake of Gary's departure.

According to Bloomberg, Gary confirmed the collective resignation of all 25 team members, stating it was a difficult decision not taken lightly. Annapurna Pictures' Ellison assured partners of continued support for existing projects and a commitment to interactive entertainment, expressing a desire for more integrated storytelling across various media.

The impact of this mass resignation is significant. Indie developers previously partnered with Annapurna Interactive now face uncertainty, seeking clarification on ongoing agreements. Remedy Entertainment, whose Control 2 received partial funding from Annapurna Interactive, clarified via its communications director, Thomas Puha, on Twitter (X), that their agreement is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing Control 2.

Annapurna Interactive has appointed Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, as its new president. Anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg indicate Sanchez has pledged to uphold existing contracts and replace departing staff. This follows a previously announced restructuring, including the departure of Gary, Deborah Mars, and Nathan Vella.

For further details on Annapurna's restructuring, please refer to the linked article below.