Annapurna Game Studios Disbands, Future Projects in Limbo

Annapurna Interactive Faces Uncertain Future After Mass Staff Resignation

A significant shakeup has hit Annapurna Interactive, the video game publishing arm of Annapurna Pictures. The entire staff, reportedly over 20 employees, has resigned following failed negotiations with parent company Annapurna Pictures.

The disagreement centered around the staff's proposal to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. These negotiations, led by former president Nathan Gary, ultimately failed, resulting in the mass resignation. Gary confirmed the collective departure, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision.

Annapurna Pictures, under Megan Ellison, has assured partners that current projects will continue and the company remains committed to interactive entertainment. However, the situation leaves numerous indie developers who collaborated with Annapurna in a precarious position, uncertain about the future of their partnerships and agreements.

Remedy Entertainment, involved in the development of Control 2 with Annapurna Interactive, clarified that their agreement is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing Control 2. This highlights the complexity of the situation and the potential ripple effects across the industry.

Annapurna Interactive has appointed Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, as its new president. Sources indicate Sanchez aims to fulfill existing contracts and rebuild the team. This follows a broader restructuring announced a week prior, including the departure of several key figures besides Gary. The future of Annapurna Interactive remains uncertain, pending the outcome of these efforts to maintain ongoing projects and partnerships.