Earlier this month, all 25 employees collectively resigned from Annapurna Interactive, the gaming division of Annapurna Pictures. In the midst of hundreds of layoffs in the video game industry, witnessing a group walk out certainly garnered attention in the community. It left me hoping that other companies in the industry take this event seriously and learn from it.
The Annapurna Interactive walk out is not a simple case to understand, and we are likely missing all the facts, but according to IGN, it appears to be due to several reasons, including but not limited to, disagreements in company direction, poor communication, lack of transparency with leadership, and departures that shook Annapurna to the core. When there is discontent in the workplace, employees need to rely on leadership to steer them in the right direction. It would seem that this “discontent” lasted long enough, and was severe enough, for an entire division to risk unemployment.
While a group resignation is far from the first option, I hope the Annapurna Interactive walk out will empower others in the industry–if not to walk-out–but to at least speak out. We’ve heard of enough toxic and less-than-ideal work environments in the industry, from sexual abuse to excessive crunch time. Employees should never feel like they have no voice and are stuck working in a bad situation. On the flip side, I wish that executive leadership also will take note to never take their employees for granted. For any successful business, you need collaboration and clear communication.
I personally am upset about the walk-out, as I am a massive fan of Annapurna Interactive and the games they publish; however, I am also proud of those that stood up for what they believed in. I sincerely hope they are able to find careers that will launch them into successes that they deserve.
What do you think of the Annapurna Interactive walk out, and do you think the video game industry can learn from this? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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Featured Image Source: Annapurna via Zavvi
Source: IGN
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