Annapurna Interactive Faces Uncertainty After Mass Staff Resignation

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

The Resignation and its Aftermath

The mass resignation, led by former president Nathan Gary, stemmed from an attempt to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. These efforts ultimately failed, resulting in the collective departure.

Gary confirmed the mass resignation in a statement to Bloomberg, emphasizing the difficult nature of the decision. The team expressed that the action was not taken lightly. Annapurna Pictures CEO Megan Ellison, while assuring partners of continued support for existing projects and a commitment to interactive entertainment, offered little further detail on the specifics of the dispute.

Impact on Partners and Future Projects

The situation leaves several indie developers who partnered with Annapurna Interactive in uncertain positions. According to Bloomberg, these developers are actively seeking new contacts within Annapurna to confirm the company's commitment to existing agreements.

Remedy Entertainment, notably, clarified the status of Control 2, confirming their deal is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing the sequel. Thomas Puha, Remedy's communications director, addressed fan concerns on Twitter (X).

Annapurna's Response and New Leadership

In response, Annapurna Interactive has appointed Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, as its new president. Sources speaking anonymously to Bloomberg reported that Sanchez has assured partners of the company’s intention to honor existing contracts and replace departing staff. This follows a previously announced restructuring of Annapurna's gaming operations, including the departure of Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella alongside Gary.

For further context on Annapurna's reorganization, please refer to [link to related article].