Entire staff of game publisher Annapurna Interactive has reportedly resigned
All staff of Annapurna Interactive resigned after failed spin-off attempts. Despite this, existing projects will remain under the company, which continues to expand its ambitions in gaming and film.
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The entire staff of Annapurna Interactive, a well-known game publisher responsible for indie hits like Stray and Outer Wilds, has reportedly resigned. This decision follows unsuccessful attempts to spin off the gaming division into an independent entity, as confirmed by Bloomberg and IGN. Nathan Gary, the former president, stated that the resignation of all 25 team members was a difficult choice. Despite the staff's departure, an Annapurna spokesperson assured that existing games and projects would remain under the company's umbrella. Recent reports indicated that key figures, including Gary and coheads Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella, were set to leave as Annapurna planned to integrate its gaming operations with its film, TV, and theater divisions. The company, which has seen success in both gaming and film, had been expanding its ambitions, including developing its own games and launching an animation division. Upcoming projects include Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth and Ghost Bike. The situation raises questions about the future of Annapurna Interactive and its ongoing projects.
- All staff members of Annapurna Interactive have resigned.
- The resignation followed failed negotiations to spin off the gaming division.
- Existing games and projects will remain under Annapurna's control.
- Key leadership changes were occurring alongside the staff's departure.
- Annapurna has been expanding its ambitions in both gaming and film.
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Entire Annapurna Game Team Resigns
Annapurna Interactive's entire team, including President Nathan Gary, resigned after failed spin-off negotiations with owner Megan Ellison, leaving partners to address the sudden loss of leadership and talent.
- Many commenters express disappointment over the failed spin-off and the loss of talent, highlighting the unique games Annapurna Interactive has published.
- There is speculation about the reasons behind the resignation, including financial issues at the parent company and a desire for independence among the staff.
- Some commenters are optimistic about the potential for the former staff to create a new entity that could continue their legacy in gaming.
- Concerns are raised about the impact on ongoing projects, with some expressing hope that anticipated games will still be released.
- Several comments touch on the challenges of working under wealthy leadership, suggesting a disconnect between the staff and the company's management.
19 comments* Annapurna Pictures (the parent company of Interactive) had some financial issues previously at least (see [0] from 2019) while Annapurna Interactive was doing well for itself.
* Annapurna Pictures wanted to integrate the gaming division in-house (possibly to prop up the rest of the company)
* Staff and exec at Annapurna Interactive wanted to be spin off (see [1])
* Negotiations fell through, so most exec and staff at Interactive left
[0] https://variety.com/2019/film/news/annapurna-resolves-more-t...
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-12/annapurna...
Every single game they published had something unique. Outer Wilds, Telling Lies, Twelve Minutes, Edit Finch, Neon White, etc.
They didn't develop these games, but they have an eye for talent.
There's a lot to be said about certain large publishers but this publisher's list of games includes some very good titles. Just knowing they worked with the developers to release certain titles makes me very interested to see who they'll work with next. They seem like a group who will become a household name with a little luck in their marketing.
I understand why Annapurna would not want to spin off such a successful division but it sounds like the only leverage they had was existing IP, which the employees probably understand as a sunk cost. I'm glad they were all able to realize they could just do what they do under a different name; I get the feeling the developers they've worked with will remember them and they know it.
From IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/annapurnas-entire-gaming-team-h...
I don’t blame them. I’d rather negotiate my arm out of a shark’s mouth than the cost of a hot dog with Larry Ellison, or his daughter. You don’t get that awful rich by ever believing you’re awful rich enough.
and move on.
They produced the best games out there and that, remains patent.
What happens next is corporate wrangling less to do with creativity and more to do with profits.
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