Annapurna Interactive Staff Resigns After Dispute
Annapurna Interactive, known for titles like Cocoon and Stray, has faced a dramatic upheaval. This month, Annapurna Interactive's entire staff resigned after a dispute between key figures in the company.
The Dispute and Its Fallout
Dispute Between Executives
The turmoil began with negotiations to spin off Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity. Discussions were led by Annapurna Interactive President Nathan Gary and Studio Head Megan Ellison. When these negotiations failed, Ellison withdrew, triggering a series of resignations.
Gary and other executives decided to resign, leading to the departure of approximately two dozen more staff members. This mass resignation has left the company in a state of flux.
Official Statements
In a joint statement, Gary said, “All 25 members of the Annapurna Interactive team collectively resigned. This was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make and we did not take this action lightly.”
Ellison commented, “Our top priority is continuing to support our developer and publishing partners during this transition. We’re committed to our existing slate of games and expanding our presence in interactive storytelling across various media.”
What This Means for Annapurna Interactive
New Leadership and Future Plans
Hector Sanchez, a co-founder of Annapurna Interactive, has been appointed as the new president. Sanchez has assured developers that “the company will honor existing contracts and replace staff who have left.”
Despite the internal chaos, Annapurna Interactive’s commitment to its projects remains strong. This includes supporting upcoming titles and collaborations, such as Remedy's Control 2 and Alan Wake adaptations.
Developer Reactions
The resignation news has sparked varied reactions from developers. Davey Wreden of Ivy Road, who is working on Wanderstop, reassured fans on Twitter: “Just for the folks asking, we are 100% okay. Nothing's gonna stop us from getting Wanderstop out the door very soon.”
Conclusion
The recent Annapurna Interactive staff resignations following the internal dispute have left the company in a turbulent state. As the new leadership takes over, the industry watches to see how this will impact ongoing projects and future collaborations.
For more updates on Annapurna Interactive and the latest in gaming news, stay tuned to our magazine.