In a shocking turn of events, Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing groundbreaking indie games like Outer Wilds and Stray, has been hit with a complete staff resignation. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Bloomberg, the senior leadership and entire staff of over 20 people have left the company, leaving the future of Annapurna’s projects hanging in the balance. This follows recent industry-wide shakeups, including the rise of a new studio led by former Ascendant Studios employees.
Annapurna Interactive’s Sudden Collapse
Annapurna Interactive, a subsidiary of Annapurna Pictures, has been a powerhouse in the indie game scene since its inception in 2016. Helmed by Nathan Gary, the publisher brought us titles that redefined storytelling in games. From the surreal, episodic experience of Kentucky Route Zero to the emotional exploration of memory and loss in What Remains of Edith Finch, Annapurna games were celebrated for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Titles like Neon White and the critically acclaimed Stray made a huge impact on both players and critics, reinforcing the company’s reputation for curating unique, artistic experiences.
But everything changed when negotiations to spin off Annapurna Interactive into an independent entity fell apart. Gary, along with his entire leadership team and staff, chose to walk away.
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported that the breakdown in these negotiations was the primary reason behind this exodus. Megan Ellison, founder of Annapurna Pictures, confirmed the failed talks but reassured fans that they remain committed to their existing slate of games. However, the mass resignation has left developers partnering with Annapurna scrambling to secure their projects.
While some major partnerships, like Remedy Entertainment’s deal for the Control series, remain unaffected, smaller developers are left uncertain. Reports have surfaced that studios working with Annapurna are now questioning whether their publishing deals are still valid.
As Wanderstop developer Aura Triolo humorously remarked on BlueSky, “currently being published by Annapurna voice haha,” the situation is no laughing matter for teams reliant on Annapurna for support.
A New Player on the Scene: Absurd Marin
In the midst of Annapurna’s collapse, a new studio has emerged—Absurd Marin, a San Rafael-based team formed by former Ascendant Studios employees. Around 20 developers, including Ascendant Studios founder Bret Robbins, have joined Dan Houser’s Absurd Ventures. This new team will focus on a “story-driven action-adventure” game separate from other projects in Absurd Ventures’ “A Better Paradise” universe.
The collapse of Annapurna Interactive and the rise of Absurd Marin underscore the volatile nature of the gaming industry, especially for independent studios. The sudden collapse of an established publisher like Annapurna and the formation of new studios like Absurd Marin highlight the need for stability in publishing deals and long-term support for game developers.
As more details unfold, we’ll be covering this on the next Geek Freaks Podcast. Be sure to tune in for a deeper discussion on what this means for indie game publishing and the future of Annapurna Interactive. Listen here.
Sources: Gamesindustry.biz, IGN, THR, Bloomberg
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