Former Annapurna Staff Lead New Private Division Studio

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, saw its staff depart en masse. 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 significant layoffs.

According to Jason Schreier, Haveli Investments, an Austin-based private equity firm, is the alleged buyer of Private Division. Haveli and the former Annapurna staff have reportedly partnered to manage Private Division's remaining projects, including Tales of the Shire (March 2025 release), Kerbal Space Program, and an unannounced Game Freak title.

Private Division's Uncertain Future Reflects Industry Trends

The September 2024 departure of most Annapurna Interactive staff followed a breakdown in negotiations with Annapurna Pictures. While Haveli's acquisition retained roughly twenty Private Division employees, further layoffs are anticipated to accommodate the incoming Annapurna team. The new entity's name, long-term plans, and approach to new IP remain undisclosed.

This merger highlights the instability in the gaming industry. Thousands of layoffs and studio closures in recent years have created a climate where one group of displaced workers is essentially absorbing another. This reflects a broader trend of investor hesitancy towards high-risk, large-scale projects.