Annapurna Interactive, the game publishing division of Annapurna Pictures, has reportedly experienced an “exodus” following a conflict between its staff and company founder Megan Ellison over talks of spinning off Annapurna Interactive into its own independent entity.
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier broke the news, saying that Annapurna Interactive president Nathan Gray and roughly two dozen of the department’s employees resigned after the aforementioned talks with Ellison failed to bear fruit.
Known for Outer Wilds and Neon White, the publisher has made a name for itself as a purveyor of high-quality titles that go on to win awards and win hearts like no other.
Schreier was able to confirm with Annapurna that all projects and contracts – such as the upcoming port of Stray for the Nintendo Switch – will be honored, which was confirmed by a spokesperson and Annapurna Interactive’s new president, Hector Sanchez, who also stated that all previous staff will be replaced.
Annapurna Pictures founder Megan Ellison issued the following statement to Bloomberg in response to the mass resignations:
“Our top priority is to continue to support our developers and publishing partners during this transition.”
“We are committed not only to our existing pipeline of games, but also to expanding our presence in the interactive space as we continue to seek opportunities to take a more integrated approach to linear and interactive storytelling in film and television, games and theatre. “
