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. The majority of Annapurna Interactive's workforce departed in September 2024 following failed negotiations with Annapurna Pictures CEO Megan Ellison.

This acquisition follows the November 2024 sale of Private Division by Take-Two Interactive. The buyer remained anonymous initially, leading to widespread layoffs at Private Division.

According to journalist Jason Schreier, the undisclosed buyer is reportedly Haveli Investments, an Austin-based private equity firm. Haveli and the former Annapurna staff have reportedly partnered to manage Private Division's existing game portfolio, including the anticipated March 2025 release of Tales of the Shire, the ongoing Kerbal Space Program, and an unannounced title from Game Freak.

Private Division's Restructuring Reflects Industry Trends

The departure of most Annapurna Interactive employees in September 2024 stemmed from disagreements with CEO Megan Ellison. While Haveli's acquisition retained approximately twenty Private Division employees, further layoffs are anticipated to accommodate the incoming Annapurna team. The future direction of the combined entity, including potential new projects or IP, remains unclear. The studio's name and overall goals are yet to be announced.

This merger mirrors the broader gaming industry's recent turbulent period, marked by widespread job losses and studio closures. The integration of two groups of laid-off employees symbolizes the industry's aggressive approach, driven by investor hesitancy towards large-scale, high-risk projects.