Annapurna Alumni Launch New Label for Private Division Games

Private Division, the indie publishing label originally owned by Take-Two Interactive, is undergoing a significant transition as former staff from Annapurna Interactive prepare to take over its portfolio. Reports indicate that a new company backed by former Annapurna employees has reached an agreement with private equity firm Haveli, which recently acquired Private Division. The portfolio includes notable titles like Tales of the Shire, set to release on March 25, and Project Bloom, an anticipated AAA action-adventure game from Game Freak announced earlier this year. Despite the transition, it's expected that many of the remaining Private Division employees could face layoffs as staffing changes occur.

The transition signifies a fresh direction for the publishing label, potentially revitalizing its portfolio under new management. With games like Tales of the Shire and Project Bloom at the forefront, the aim is to better align the label's output with industry expectations while navigating the challenges posed by recent staff layoffs and restructuring.

Private Division was founded in 2017 with the goal of supporting independent games. Over its operational period, it produced successful titles like The Outer Worlds and Kerbal Space Program 2. However, after disappointing sales figures, Take-Two decided to wind down the label, leading to its sale and repositioning under new leadership from former Annapurna Interactive staff. This unique move showcases a blending of talent and ambition aimed at enhancing the indie game landscape.