Annapurna Interactive Faces Uncertain Future After Mass Staff Resignation
A significant shakeup has hit Annapurna Interactive, the video game publishing arm of Annapurna Pictures. Following failed negotiations with parent company Annapurna Pictures, the entire staff, reportedly numbering over 20, has resigned.
The resignation, led by former president Nathan Gary, stemmed from an attempt to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. This effort ultimately failed, resulting in the mass exodus. In a statement, Gary confirmed the collective resignation, emphasizing the difficult nature of the decision.
Annapurna Pictures, under Megan Ellison, has assured partners that ongoing projects will continue to receive support and that 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 agreements.
Remedy Entertainment, involved in the Annapurna-funded Control 2, clarified that their agreement is with Annapurna Pictures, and they are self-publishing the sequel. 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 the new president. Sources indicate Sanchez aims to honor existing contracts and rebuild the team. This appointment follows a broader restructuring announced over a week prior, including the departure of several key figures besides Gary. The future of Annapurna Interactive remains uncertain, but the company is striving to maintain its commitments and operations.
