Annapurna Interactive Faces Mass Exodus: Staff Resigns After Failed Spin-Off
Annapurna Interactive Faces Major Shakeup as Entire Staff Resigns
Annapurna Interactive, the acclaimed publisher behind indie hits such as “Stray,” “Outer Wilds,” and “Neon White,” is undergoing significant changes as its entire staff has resigned. The mass exodus comes after a failed attempt to spin off the games division into a new company, according to reports from Bloomberg and IGN.
All 25 members of the team, including former president Nathan Gary, have stepped down from their positions. Despite this upheaval, Annapurna Interactive’s existing games and ongoing projects will remain under the company’s umbrella.
The Hollywood Reporter had previously mentioned the departures of key figures Nathan Gary, Deborah Mars, and Nathan Vella. In response to these changes, Annapurna plans to integrate its gaming operations with its other divisions, including film, TV, and theater. Hector Sanchez, cofounder of Annapurna Interactive, will assume the role of president of interactive and new media at Annapurna.
Annapurna Pictures, known for award-winning films like “Her,” “American Hustle,” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” has been expanding its ambitions alongside its video game publishing success. In 2020, the company announced plans to develop its own games, and in 2022, it launched an in-house animation division, which is set to produce a movie based on “Stray.”
The company’s recent ventures include producing the animated film “Nimona” for Netflix and partnering with Remedy Entertainment to explore film and TV adaptations of “Control” and “Alan Wake.”
Despite the current turmoil, Annapurna Interactive has maintained a strong release schedule. This year, the publisher released “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes” and “Open Roads.” Upcoming titles in their lineup include “Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth,” “Ghost Bike,” and “Wanderstop.”
As of this writing, Annapurna has not responded to requests for comment on the situation. The gaming industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the future of Annapurna Interactive and its highly anticipated projects.
