Annapurna Game Studio Shuts Down, Raising Questions on Future

Annapurna Interactive's Entire Game Division Resigns, Casting Doubt on Future Projects

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

The Resignation and its Fallout

The disagreement stemmed from an attempt by Annapurna Interactive's staff, led by then-president Nathan Gary, to establish the division as an independent entity. When these negotiations failed, the entire team, including Gary, resigned.

"This was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make," Gary stated in a collective resignation announcement reported by Bloomberg. This leaves numerous indie developers who partnered with Annapurna in uncertain situations, questioning the future of their projects.

Annapurna Pictures' Response and Future Plans

Annapurna Pictures' Megan Ellison assured partners that ongoing projects would be supported, and the company remains committed to interactive entertainment. She emphasized their intention to integrate linear and interactive storytelling across various media.

A New Leadership Appointed

Annapurna Interactive has appointed Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, as the new president. Sources cited by Bloomberg, speaking anonymously, indicate Sanchez has given assurances that existing contracts will be honored and the departing staff will be replaced. This follows a previously announced restructuring of Annapurna's gaming operations, which also saw the departure of Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella.

The situation concerning Remedy Entertainment's Control 2, partially funded by Annapurna Interactive, has been clarified. Remedy's communications director confirmed their deal is with Annapurna Pictures and that they are self-publishing Control 2. The impact on other projects remains to be seen. The future of Annapurna Interactive, once known for publishing titles like Stray and What Remains of Edith Finch, is now uncertain.