Annapurna Interactive controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Reports detail complaints about Fullbright leadership and treatment of women
Issue disclosure
A report described complaints about Fullbright co-founder Steve Gaynor's leadership and treatment of women at the studio. Former employees characterized his conduct as controlling and demeaning; the article also states that the report did not include claims of explicit sexism or sexual harassment.
Company response
Apology — Steve Gaynor
"My leadership style was hurtful to people that worked at Fullbright, and for that I truly apologise," he wrote.
Source excerpt
Steve Gaynor, co-founder of Gone Home developer Fullbright, is no longer the lead on the studio's next title, Open Roads, following complaints about his leadership and treatment of women, but remains as a writer.
A studio representative told Polygon that Annapurna Interactive "is aware of the situation at Fullbright and has been instrumental in helping the Open Roads team make changes to its structure."
Many who left told the site that Gaynor's behaviour towards employees -- especially women -- was a key factor in their decision to leave. The co-founder has been described as a "controlling" and "demeaning presence," breaking down women at the studio with various microaggressions.