Summary
Former Annapurna Interactive employees have acquired Private Division, a studio previously owned by Take-Two Interactive. This follows the departure of most Annapurna Interactive staff in September 2024 after negotiations with their parent company failed.
Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing acclaimed games like Stray, Kentucky Route Zero, and What Remains of Edith Finch, experienced a significant staff exodus. Private Division, established in 2017, was sold by Take-Two Interactive in November 2024, with the buyer and the studio's future uncertain. The sale resulted in widespread layoffs.
According to Jason Schreier, Haveli Investments, an Austin-based private equity firm, is the undisclosed buyer. Haveli and the former Annapurna staff have reportedly partnered to manage Private Division's remaining titles, including Tales of the Shire (March 2025 release), Kerbal Space Program, and an unannounced Game Freak project.
Private Division's Transition Reflects Industry Trends
The majority of Annapurna Interactive's workforce left following a breakdown in negotiations with Annapurna Pictures 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 IP or projects, remains unclear. The new studio's name and mission are yet to be announced.
This merger reflects the current gaming industry climate, characterized by widespread layoffs and studio closures in recent years. The integration of two groups of displaced game developers symbolizes the industry's current aggressive approach, driven by investor apprehension towards high-risk, large-scale projects.
