Annapurna Interactive has released some of the most creative and critically acclaimed games from smaller studios and developers over the past eight years, turning its impressive success rate into a seal of quality whenever its label appears in the opening credits. Now, almost everyone who worked there seems to have quit at the same time, and no one knows exactly why.
Bloomberg Reports that the staff of Annapurna Interactive resigned earlier this month following a dispute with Megan Ellis, the owner of the parent company Annapurna Pictures, a production company responsible for films such as Her, American hustle and bustleAnd Zero dark thirtyThe two sides were apparently in talks about the possible spin-off of the video game division into a separate company when the deal fell through and employees decided to leave the company.
“All 25 members of the Annapurna Interactive team have collectively resigned,” said co-founder Nathan Gary, whose resignation as head of Annapurna Interactive was announced last week by The Hollywood Reportertold Bloomberg as part of a joint statement from the departing employees. “This was one of the most difficult decisions we have ever had to make and we did not take this step lightly.”
Even those who are not familiar with Annapurna Interactive itself are likely familiar with the games it has released, including the stunning space flight adventure Outer Wildernessthe sci-fi cat platform game Strayingand the unique narrative puzzle game of this year Lorelei and the laser eyes. The debut game of the company, founded in 2016, was the immersive walking simulation What remains of Edith Finch was released the following year, after which it quickly established itself by curating several GOTY contenders each year from smaller and more experimental development teams, and helping with marketing, localization, and quality assurance for each new release.
The sudden implosion of Annapurna Interactive was chaotic for current partners and upcoming games, Bloomberg reports, although top executives have tried to reassure developers that staff will be replaced and existing contracts will be honored. “We are not only committed to our existing games offering, but we are also expanding our presence in the interactive space as we continue to explore opportunities to take a more integrated approach to linear and interactive storytelling across film and television, games and theater,” Ellis said in a statement to Bloomberg.
One of these transmedia possibilities includes a upcoming animated film adaptation of StrayingAnnapurna Pictures recently announced that it has completed production of Control 2Remedy Entertainment’s sequel to the successful paranormal Metroidvania, as well as the development of TV and film adaptations of the studio’s hit Alan-Wake games and their expanded narrative universe. “Many of you are contacting us about the news surrounding Annapurna Interactive,” said Thomas Puha, Communications Director at Remedy tweeted last night. “Thank you for your care! Remedy’s offer for Control 2including Alan-Wake And Control AV The rights are owned by Annapurna Pictures and we publish Control 2.”
It remains to be seen why the Annapurna Interactive staff suddenly resigned from the company or if they will try to start their own new publishing label. In the meantime, games published by Annapurna have taken to social media to reassure players and fans that they are still coming out. “I am grateful to everyone who has reached out,” tweeted the makers of The artistic Escape about her upcoming teen nostalgia trip. “Mixtape continues.”
