Annapurna Interactive, the indie game publisher behind popular titles like Stray, Outer Wilds, and Gorogoa, has appointed former Netflix executive Leanne Loombe as its new Executive Vice President and Head of Games. The move comes after a tumultuous year for the company, which saw its entire staff resign in 2022 due to disagreements with its owner, Megan Ellison.

Loombe brings a wealth of experience in game development and publishing to her new role, having helped build out Netflix's growing game portfolio during her tenure at the streaming giant. At Netflix, Loombe was instrumental in bringing titles like Hades and the Grand Theft Auto trilogy to the platform, and played a key role in the company's cloud gaming initiative. Her expertise will be crucial in helping Annapurna Interactive rebuild and move forward.

The appointment is a significant one for Annapurna Interactive, which has been working to recover from the mass exodus of its staff last year. The former employees went on to form a new company, Private Division, which is now an indie label owned by Take-Two Interactive. Loombe's hiring is seen as a major coup for the company, and a key step in its efforts to regain its footing in the gaming industry.

In a post on LinkedIn, Loombe expressed her admiration for Annapurna Interactive's commitment to supporting developers with strong creative visions, and her excitement about the opportunity to "continue creating and strengthening a place developers can call home." Her words suggest a deep understanding of the company's values and a passion for fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

The news comes on the heels of Netflix's latest earnings report, which highlighted the company's continued focus on expanding its cloud gaming offering and adding more immersive, narrative-driven games to its lineup. Loombe's departure from Netflix is likely a significant blow to the company's gaming ambitions, but her arrival at Annapurna Interactive is a major boost to the indie publisher's prospects.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, the appointment of Leanne Loombe at Annapurna Interactive is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the sector. With her expertise and leadership, the company is well-positioned to make a major impact in the years to come.

In conclusion, the hiring of Leanne Loombe by Annapurna Interactive is a major coup for the company, and a significant development in the gaming industry. As the company looks to rebuild and move forward, Loombe's expertise and leadership will be crucial in helping it achieve its goals and regain its position as a major player in the indie gaming space.