Annapurna Interactive Faces Staff Exodus Amid Ownership Dispute

Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing acclaimed titles like Outer Wilds, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Cocoon, is experiencing a significant departure of staff following a disagreement with the company’s owner, leading to “chaos” among developer partners.

Staff Exodus and Dispute Details

According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, approximately two dozen employees, including Annapurna Interactive president Nathan Gary and other executives, have resigned after failed negotiations with Annapurna owner Megan Ellison. A reported attempt to spin off Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity did not come to fruition due to the inability to reach an agreement with Ellison.

Impact on Developer Partners

The departures have caused turmoil among Annapurna Interactive’s game developer partners, who rely on the publisher for funding, quality assurance, and marketing support. Reassurances about the future of their projects have been sought, but an Annapurna spokesperson assured Bloomberg that all current games and projects will remain with the company. The new president, Hector Sanchez, has assured developers that all contracts will be honored, and new staff will be brought in to replace those who have left.

“Our top priority during this transition is to support our developer and publishing partners,” Ellison stated in a provided statement to Bloomberg. Annapurna Interactive is committed not only to its existing game slate but also to expanding its presence in the interactive space by exploring opportunities for integrated storytelling across various mediums like film, TV, gaming, and theater.

Upcoming Game Titles and Projects

Annapurna has already announced a diverse lineup of new titles scheduled for release in the coming years. These include Silent Hill: Townfall from developer No Code, Lushfoil Photography Sim by Matt Newell, Mixtape from Beethoven & Dinosaur, Ghost Bike by Messhof, and Annapurna’s first internally developed game, Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth.

FAQs

Q: What led to the staff exodus at Annapurna Interactive?

A: The exodus was a result of a dispute between the company’s owner, Megan Ellison, and key executives, leading to their resignation.

Q: How will Annapurna Interactive support its developer partners during this transition?

A: The company has assured that all existing games and projects will remain with them, contracts will be honored, and new staff will be brought in to continue operations smoothly.

Q: What upcoming titles can we expect from Annapurna Interactive?

A: Annapurna has revealed a lineup of new games, including Silent Hill: Townfall, Lushfoil Photography Sim, Mixtape, Ghost Bike, and Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth.

Credit: www.eurogamer.net