Private Division

Corporate brand

A video game publishing label created to fund and release ambitious games from independent and mid-sized development studios.

Last updated August 31, 2026

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Overview

Private Division was an American video game publishing label established by Take-Two Interactive in December 2017. It was created to address a gap between conventional independent publishing and the large-scale, internally controlled development model associated with major publishers. Rather than concentrating only on blockbuster franchises or very small self-funded projects, the label focused on games made by independent and mid-sized studios, including teams founded by developers with experience at larger AAA companies. These projects were sometimes described as “triple-I” games: more ambitious and expensive than typical independent productions, but not built on the scale, budgets, or corporate infrastructure of a conventional AAA release. The label’s creation was driven by Michael Worosz, then Take-Two’s head of corporate development and independent publishing. Worosz identified studios whose projects were too substantial for ordinary indie financing or crowdfunding, yet did not fit the investment profile of publishers focused on either small experimental games or major established franchises. Take-Two approved the concept after an internal development and recruitment period that included the hiring of Allen Murray to lead production, help establish operating processes, and coordinate relationships with external developers. Private Division generally supported development planning, financing, milestone management, marketing, publishing, and distribution while allowing partner studios to retain ownership of their intellectual property in many arrangements. At launch, the label announced projects from Obsidian Entertainment, The Outsiders, V1 Interactive, and Panache Digital Games, while also taking responsibility for the publishing of Kerbal Space Program after Take-Two acquired that property from Squad. Its best-known releases included The Outer Worlds, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, Disintegration, Kerbal Space Program 2, and later titles such as OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome through its relationship with Roll7. The label also announced partnerships with Moon Studios, League of Geeks, Die Gute Fabrik, Evening Star, Piccolo Studio, Yellow Brick Games, Wētā Workshop, Bloober Team, and Game Freak. Private Division experienced several changes in its project portfolio. Some announced projects were cancelled, postponed, or separated from the label, including the game associated with The Outsiders, the League of Geeks project, and the Bloober Team survival-horror partnership. Take-Two also created Intercept Games to develop Kerbal Space Program 2 and acquired Roll7 in 2021. Layoffs affecting Private Division began in 2023 and expanded substantially in 2024 during Take-Two’s company-wide cost-reduction program. Intercept Games and Roll7 were closed, while a number of projects and publishing relationships were reorganized. In November 2024, Take-Two confirmed that it had sold Private Division to Haveli Investments for an undisclosed amount as part of a broader effort to concentrate on AAA and mobile businesses. The purchaser retained publishing responsibilities for part of the label’s remaining portfolio, while Moon Studios later acquired publishing rights for No Rest for the Wicked from Take-Two. In 2025, the organization began operating under the name Fictions, according to its privacy policy and related reporting, with operations moved to Los Angeles and further staff reductions reported. Consequently, Private Division is best understood as the former name of a publishing business whose assets, personnel, and projects were transferred into a privately owned successor operation rather than as an independently listed publisher.

History

Private Division emerged from Take-Two Interactive’s effort to broaden its publishing model beyond its two principal labels, Rockstar Games and 2K. Those labels were associated mainly with internally owned studios, established franchises, and large third-party developers. Take-Two saw an opportunity in projects developed by smaller teams with significant professional experience but without access to the capital required for large productions. Michael Worosz developed the concept while evaluating independent publishing opportunities for Take-Two. He argued that many mid-sized studios occupied an underserved space: their games were too costly and complex for typical self-financing or crowdfunding, but they were not obvious candidates for publishers that concentrated on either small indie projects or conventional AAA releases. Take-Two approved the proposal, and Allen Murray was hired during the preparatory period to build production capabilities, recruit partners, and establish the label’s internal processes. Private Division was formally announced on December 14, 2017. Its initial slate included The Outer Worlds from Obsidian Entertainment, Darkborn from The Outsiders under the working title Project Wight, Disintegration from V1 Interactive, and Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey from Panache Digital Games. Take-Two also placed Kerbal Space Program under the new label after acquiring the property from Squad. Private Division’s model was to provide financing, development oversight, milestone planning, publishing, marketing, and distribution while generally allowing partner studios to retain their intellectual property. The relationship with The Outsiders ended during 2018, although Private Division stated that it continued supporting the studio for a period after the publishing arrangement was terminated. The Outer Worlds became one of the label’s most prominent releases, while Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey and Disintegration demonstrated the range of projects the label was willing to support. Kerbal Space Program became an important property for the organization and led to the creation of a dedicated Seattle development operation for its sequel. In February 2020, Take-Two established a studio that became Intercept Games to develop Kerbal Space Program 2. Several former Star Theory employees joined the new operation. That year Private Division also announced partnerships with Moon Studios, League of Geeks, and Roll7. Take-Two acquired Roll7 in November 2021, adding a studio known for stylized action and sports-inspired games. In 2022, the label expanded its announced network through agreements with Die Gute Fabrik, Evening Star, Piccolo Studio, and Yellow Brick Games. It also partnered with Wētā Workshop on a Middle-earth title, later revealed as Tales of the Shire, and agreed to publish a Bloober Team survival-horror game. The portfolio was affected by cancellations and changes in commercial relationships. The League of Geeks project was cancelled during the COVID-19 period, and the Bloober Team agreement ended in 2024. Die Gute Fabrik and Yellow Brick Games ultimately released projects independently rather than as continuing Private Division releases. In 2023, Private Division announced Project Bloom, an action-adventure collaboration with Game Freak, and Penny’s Big Breakaway was revealed before its February 2024 release. The label’s later history was dominated by restructuring. In 2023, Private Division employees were included in Take-Two cost reductions. In 2024, Take-Two announced a broader workforce-reduction plan, after which reporting described extensive layoffs across Private Division’s offices in Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Munich. Roll7 and Intercept Games were closed, and reports indicated that Take-Two intended to exit the label’s operations. In November 2024, Take-Two confirmed the sale of Private Division to Haveli Investments for an undisclosed sum. Take-Two retained support obligations for No Rest for the Wicked for a period, while other projects moved to the purchaser; Moon Studios subsequently acquired publishing rights for that title from Take-Two. In January 2025, reporting identified Haveli Investments as the buyer and stated that former Annapurna Interactive employees who had departed in 2024 were involved in managing the remaining portfolio. By June 2025, the organization was operating under the Fictions name, moved to Los Angeles, and had undergone additional layoffs. The Private Division name therefore describes the Take-Two-era publishing label, while Fictions represents the reported successor organization.

2025
The successor adopts the Fictions name
[2]Fictions (company)en.wikipedia.org
The successor organization began using Fictions as its operating name and relocated its office to Los Angeles.
2024
Take-Two divests Private Division
[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Take-Two confirmed the sale of Private Division to Haveli Investments and the closure of Intercept Games and Roll7.
2023
Project Bloom partnership is announced
[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Private Division and Game Freak announced an action-adventure collaboration under the codename Project Bloom.
2021
Roll7 is acquired
[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Take-Two acquired Roll7, which had worked with Private Division on games including OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome.
2020
Intercept Games is created
[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
A Seattle-based studio was formed to develop Kerbal Space Program 2.
2017
Private Division is formally established
[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Take-Two announced Private Division on December 14 with an initial portfolio spanning role-playing, action, adventure, and simulation projects.
2015
Take-Two develops the independent-publishing concept
[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Michael Worosz proposed a publishing operation aimed at ambitious projects from small and mid-sized studios, and Allen Murray was hired to help build its production infrastructure.

Products and positioning

A publisher for ambitious independent and mid-sized development teams, positioned between traditional indie publishing and large-scale AAA publishing.

Role-playing game · 2019
The Outer Worlds
A science-fiction role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Private Division. It combines party-based exploration, branching dialogue, factional choices, and satirical corporate world-building. The title became one of the label’s signature projects and exemplified its strategy of backing experienced independent studios working on games with ambitions beyond typical indie production.
Space-flight simulation
Kerbal Space Program
A space-flight construction and simulation game originally created by Squad and later acquired and republished under Take-Two’s Private Division label. Players design spacecraft, manage missions, and learn through experimentation in a physics-based environment. It was an important established property for the label and led to the creation of Intercept Games for its sequel.
Space-flight simulation · 2023
Kerbal Space Program 2
The sequel to Kerbal Space Program, developed by Intercept Games and published by Private Division. It expanded the original simulation concept with new construction systems, improved presentation, and planned progression toward more advanced space exploration. Development became closely associated with the later closure of Intercept Games during Take-Two’s restructuring.
Survival and adventure game · 2019
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
A prehistoric survival and exploration game developed by Panache Digital Games. Its design emphasizes evolutionary experimentation, environmental discovery, and the gradual development of a playable hominid lineage. It was part of Private Division’s original 2017 announcement slate and illustrated the label’s interest in unconventional projects from experienced independent teams.
Science-fiction action game · 2020
Disintegration
A science-fiction first-person shooter developed by V1 Interactive and published by Private Division. It combined infantry combat with vehicle-based command and was led by developers associated with earlier large-scale shooter development. The game was among the first projects announced when Private Division launched.
Action sports game · 2022
OlliOlli World
A skateboarding-focused action game developed by Roll7 and published through Private Division. It expanded the studio’s OlliOlli formula with a colorful world, character customization, exploration, and precision platforming. The title was part of the label’s relationship with Roll7, which Take-Two acquired in 2021.
Action sports game · 2022
Rollerdrome
A stylized third-person action game from Roll7, combining roller-skating movement with arena combat and score-based challenges. It was published by Private Division and reinforced the label’s support for distinctive mid-budget projects with strong visual identities and hybrid gameplay systems.
Action-platform game · 2024
Penny’s Big Breakaway
A 3D action-platform game developed by Evening Star and published by Private Division. It uses momentum-based movement and a colorful, performance-oriented presentation, drawing on the studio’s experience with classic platforming design. It was unveiled in 2023 and released in February 2024.
Life simulation and adventure game · 2025
Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game
A Middle-earth game developed in partnership with Wētā Workshop and associated with Private Division’s publishing portfolio. It focuses on everyday life in the Shire rather than large-scale combat, using a cozy simulation and community-oriented interpretation of Tolkien’s setting. The project was announced in 2022 and was scheduled for release in 2025.

Brand decisions

2024
Sell Private DivisionStrategy
Background
Take-Two announced workforce reductions and a strategic effort to concentrate resources on AAA and mobile games.
Action taken
Take-Two sold Private Division to Haveli Investments for an undisclosed amount and confirmed the closure of Intercept Games and Roll7.
Aftermath
Selected projects continued under the buyer’s ownership or were transferred, while the organization later adopted the Fictions name.
Sale price. (November 2024)
Source
2021
Acquire Roll7M&A
Background
Roll7 had become a significant development partner through projects such as OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome.
Action taken
Take-Two acquired the London-based studio through the Private Division organization.
Aftermath
Roll7 remained associated with the label until its closure during the 2024 restructuring.
Source
2020
Establish Intercept Games for Kerbal Space Program 2Strategy
Background
Take-Two planned a major sequel to Kerbal Space Program and needed a dedicated development structure.
Action taken
Private Division established a Seattle studio that became Intercept Games and recruited former Star Theory personnel.
Aftermath
Intercept Games developed Kerbal Space Program 2 but was later closed during the 2024 restructuring.
Source
2017
Create a publisher for the mid-sized independent marketStrategy
Background
Take-Two’s existing labels emphasized internally owned franchises and large development partners, leaving a financing gap for ambitious projects from smaller studios.
Action taken
Take-Two established Private Division to fund development, coordinate production, and publish games from independent and mid-sized teams without generally requiring ownership of their intellectual property.
Aftermath
The label built a portfolio including The Outer Worlds, Kerbal Space Program, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, and Disintegration.
Source

Recent events

2025
Private Division begins operating under the Fictions name[2]Fictions (company)en.wikipedia.org
Leadership change
The successor organization adopted the Fictions name in its privacy policy and moved its office to Los Angeles while continuing work on selected projects from the former Private Division portfolio.
2024
Penny’s Big Breakaway is revealed and released[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Penny’s Big Breakaway, developed by Evening Star and published by Private Division, was revealed during a Nintendo presentation and released in February 2024.
2024
Take-Two cancels Bloober Team publishing agreement[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Other
Private Division and Bloober Team ended their publishing arrangement for the survival-horror project later known as Cronos: The New Dawn.
2024
Take-Two closes Intercept Games and Roll7[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Bankruptcy · Leadership change
Large-scale layoffs and studio closures affected the Private Division organization during Take-Two’s workforce-reduction program, including the closure of Intercept Games and Roll7.
2024
Take-Two sells Private Division to Haveli Investments[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Take-Two confirmed the sale of Private Division to Haveli Investments for an undisclosed amount, citing a strategic focus on AAA and mobile games.
2023
Private Division staff affected by Take-Two cost reductions[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Leadership change · Other
Employees at Private Division were affected by layoffs connected with Take-Two’s company-wide effort to reduce operating costs.
2023
Private Division partners with Game Freak on Project Bloom[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Other
Private Division announced a partnership with Game Freak on an action-adventure project using the codename Project Bloom, planned for Take-Two’s 2026 fiscal year.
2022
Private Division expands its development network[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Other · Product launch
The label announced publishing relationships with Die Gute Fabrik, Evening Star, Piccolo Studio, and Yellow Brick Games, followed by a partnership with Wētā Workshop for a Middle-earth project.
2022
Private Division announces a Bloober Team publishing partnership[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
Other
The label entered a publishing agreement with Bloober Team for a survival-horror game later identified as Cronos: The New Dawn.
2021
Take-Two acquires Roll7[1]Private Divisionen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Private Division acquired London-based developer Roll7, strengthening its relationship with the studio behind OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome.

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