Annapurna's Entire Game Division Quits, Leaving Future Uncertain

A dispute with Megan Ellison resulted in the mass resignation of Annapurna Interactive's entire video game division staff.

Annapurna Interactive Staff Resign Following Failed Negotiations

Fallout at Annapurna Interactive

Annapurna Interactive, the video game publisher behind acclaimed titles like Stray and What Remains of Edith Finch, experienced a significant staff exodus. The entire team resigned following unsuccessful negotiations with its parent company, Annapurna Pictures.

Details are limited, but reports suggest the staff, led by then-president Nathan Gary, sought independence for the gaming division. These negotiations ultimately failed, leading over 20 employees to follow Gary's resignation a few days prior.

According to Bloomberg, Gary stated, "All 25 members of the Annapurna Interactive team collectively resigned." The team's joint statement emphasized the difficult nature of their decision.

Annapurna Pictures' Ellison assured partners of their continued commitment to existing projects and expansion within interactive entertainment. She stated to Bloomberg News, "We continue to look for opportunities to take a more integrated approach to linear and interactive storytelling across film and TV, gaming, and theater."

The consequences of this mass resignation are widespread. Indie developers partnered with Annapurna now face uncertainty, scrambling to establish new contacts and confirm the continuation of their agreements, according to Bloomberg.

Remedy Entertainment, whose upcoming Control 2 received partial funding from Annapurna Interactive, addressed the situation via communications director Thomas Puha on Twitter (X): "Many of you are reaching out about the news around Annapurna. Thank you for your care! Remedy’s deal for Control 2, including Alan Wake and Control AV rights, is with Annapurna Pictures, and we are self-publishing Control 2."

In response, Annapurna Interactive appointed Hector Sanchez, a co-founder, as its new president. Anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg report Sanchez assuring partners of the company's commitment to existing contracts and staff replacement.

Over a week prior, Annapurna announced a restructuring of its gaming operations. Sanchez's appointment follows the departures of former president Nathan Gary and the co-heads of the indie division, Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella.

For further details on Annapurna's reorganization, please see our related article below!