In a significant shake-up for the gaming industry, the portfolio of games under Private Division, Take-Two Interactive’s former indie label, has come under new management. According to Bloomberg, the shift comes as a result of former Annapurna Interactive employees banding together to establish a new, as-yet-unnamed company. This development follows last year’s sale of Private Division to Haveli Investments, a private equity firm based in Texas.
The Transition and Background
Last year, Take-Two Interactive sold its indie publishing label, Private Division, to Haveli Investments. Around the same time, Annapurna Interactive’s entire team resigned after attempts to spin off the company into an independent entity fell through. These former Annapurna staff members have now collaborated with Haveli Investments to create a new organization aimed at taking the reins of Private Division’s operations and portfolio.
Impact on Private Division
As this transition unfolds, Bloomberg reports that Private Division’s existing staff may face layoffs, although specific details remain unclear. This change marks a new chapter for the indie label, which has been behind several high-profile projects.
A Look at the Games Portfolio
The newly formed company will manage both current and in-development titles from Private Division, including the much-anticipated Tales of the Shire. This unique title blends elements of The Lord of the Rings with the life-simulation mechanics of Animal Crossing and is set to release in March. Additionally, they will oversee Project Bloom, a forthcoming game developed by Pokémon creator Game Freak.
What’s Next?
The establishment of this new company by former Annapurna Interactive staff signals a fresh approach for Private Division’s games. As the indie gaming landscape evolves, this merger of creative minds and resources could pave the way for innovative titles while raising questions about job security for existing Private Division employees.
