Ex-Annapurna Interactive Staff Take Over Private Division
Summary
Former Annapurna Interactive employees have acquired Private Division, a studio previously owned by Take-Two Interactive. This follows a mass exodus from Annapurna Interactive in September 2024 after negotiations with CEO Megan Ellison failed.
Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing acclaimed games like Stray, Kentucky Route Zero, and What Remains of Edith Finch, experienced a significant staff departure. Private Division, established in 2017, was sold by Take-Two Interactive in November 2024, with the buyer and the studio's future initially unknown. The sale resulted in widespread layoffs.
According to Jason Schreier, Haveli Investments, an Austin-based private equity firm, is reportedly the buyer. Haveli and the former Annapurna staff have allegedly partnered to manage Private Division's remaining titles, including Tales of the Shire (slated for March 2025), Kerbal Space Program, and an unannounced Game Freak project.
Private Division's Restructuring Reflects Industry Trends
The September 2024 departure of most Annapurna Interactive employees followed a breakdown in negotiations with Annapurna Pictures CEO Megan Ellison. While Haveli's acquisition retained about twenty Private Division employees, further layoffs are anticipated to integrate the Annapurna team. The new entity's name, mission, and plans for new IP remain undisclosed.
This merger mirrors the broader gaming industry's recent instability, marked by substantial layoffs and studio closures. The acquisition of Private Division by a team of former employees from another struggling company highlights the industry's cutthroat environment, driven by investor hesitancy towards high-risk, large-scale projects.
-
Weapons armory simulatorIntroducing the ultimate weapon simulator experience — a dynamic, immersive virtual armory that brings the excitement of combat to your mobile device. Featuring realistic light effects, vibration feedback, and authentic weapon sounds, this simulator delivers an adrenaline-packed gaming session like -
Toilet FactoryWelcome to *Toilet Factory: Idle Clicker*, the quirky and addictive idle tapping game where you build, manage, and defend your very own toilet empire. Step into the shoes of a factory tycoon with one unique challenge—defending your precious toilets from aggressive tax collectors! Build Your Toilet E -
WordLandLooking for a fun and challenging alternative to sudoku or word search games? Discover *WordLand*, a captivating word puzzle game that combines the best elements of word connect, word finder, crossword, and scramble games. If you enjoy brain-teasing word challenges, this is the perfect game for you! -
Football Superstar 2Welcome, football enthusiasts! Lazy Boy Developments is thrilled to bring you the highly anticipated sequel to Football Superstar — introducing Football Career Simulator!Step into the boots of a 16-year-old prodigy with limitless potential and play through your entire career — from your first match -
Enemies Smash - Defense GameUpgrade obstacles and smash waves of enemies in Enemies Smash - Defense Game!Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fueled journey in Enemies Smash - Defense Game! Your mission is clear: stop relentless waves of enemies that spawn from a mysterious spaceship and advance toward your base. Will you be abl -
Bob Stealth: Master AssassinBob Stealth: Master Assassin is an exhilarating stealth-action game that transforms players into elite covert operatives. Navigate dangerous environments, execute silent takedowns, and complete high-stakes missions without triggering alarms or alerting enemies. The game features intelligent enemy AI
