By Sagar V. Mankar Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing critically acclaimed games like Stray, Journey, and What Remains of Edith Finch, has faced a major upheaval after its entire staff resigned on September 13.
According to Bloomberg, the resignations stemmed from a disagreement between Nathan Gary, president of Annapurna Interactive, and Megan Ellison, head of parent company Annapurna Pictures. Talks about making Annapurna Interactive an independent entity broke down after Ellison ended negotiations.
Ellison’s withdrawal from discussions prompted Gary and other executives to resign, followed by 25 additional staff members.
Collective Resignation
In a statement reported by Bloomberg, Gary and the team expressed their opinion. “This was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make, and we did not take this action lightly,” they said. Megan Ellison responded by assuring the company’s commitment to its ongoing projects and future endeavors. “We remain dedicated to our existing slate of games while seeking ways to merge storytelling across mediums like gaming, film, and theater,” she stated.
Hector Sanchez, the newly appointed president, has promised to uphold existing contracts and quickly replace departed staff. This transition aims to minimize disruptions for developers and ensure that projects proceed as planned.
Impact on Developers and Projects
Developers working with the company have voiced concerns about the future of their projects. However, reassurances from leaders like Sanchez and creators, including Davey Wreden, suggest that development continues steadily.
The publisher recently partnered with Remedy Entertainment to fund Control 2 and develop TV and film adaptations of Alan Wake. Despite the upheaval, these collaborations are expected to progress as planned.
Sources: Bloomberg