Geometric: Annapurna Interactive’s First Returning Partner After Publisher Challenges
Image courtesy of Geometric/Annapurna Interactive.
Developers Geometric and Annapurna Interactive are collaborating once again on an exciting new game in another significant alliance. This signifies the publisher’s first repeat collaboration following a unexpected staff exodus in late 2024.
Annapurna previously published Geometric’s 2023 title Cocoon, which received nominations (and won) several end-of-year awards, including Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game at the 27th Annual DICE Awards.
During the publisher’s most recent game showcase, Geometric’s audio director Jakob Schmid hinted that the studio’s upcoming project is “unlike anything we’ve ever tackled before.”
After co-founder Megan Ellison returned to Annapurna, conflicts reportedly arose between her and then-Interactive studio head (and overseer for both it and Annapurna Pictures) Nathan Gary. The situation escalated when a potential deal fell through, which could have led to Gary and some Interactive staff forming a new spin-off called Verset, resulting in the complete departure of the Interactive team.
Shortly after the departures, an Annapurna spokesperson informed IGN that the entire situation was a “mystery,” and the company was actively seeking to fill the vacant positions. They also aimed to honor commitments made with partners prior to the abrupt split.
Meanwhile, the former Interactive staff appear to have formed a collective of their own. In January, the unnamed group took control of various franchises previously owned by Private Division, Take-Two’s label for smaller games. The Kerbal Space Program series and Game Freak’s undisclosed title were both noted to be included in this arrangement.
Game Developer previously discussed with Geometric regarding Cocoon: first with co-founder/designer Jeppe Carlsen about the game’s diverse puzzles, then with Carlsen, Schmid, and art director Erwin Kho about creating a game with layers of worlds built upon one another.
About the Author
Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Justin Carter has contributed to various platforms including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his work can also be found on io9 over at Gizmodo. Don’t ask him about how much gum he’s had, as the answer will be more than he’s willing to admit.