Take-Two Rumored to Sell Indie Label Private Division Amid Mismanagement Allegations
Amid reports of mismanagement and studio closures, Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two Interactive is rumored to be looking to offload its indie label, Private Division. According to a recent IGN report, the majority of Private Division staff were let go at the end of April, with only a small team remaining to support ongoing projects like Moon Studio’s No Rest For The Wicked.
The closure of studios under the Private Division umbrella, including Intercept Games and Roll7, has raised concerns about the future of the label. Sources speaking to IGN have criticized Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick and Private Division head Michael Worosz for their leadership, with one source claiming that the company “could not care less about its employees.”
Following the layoffs, Private Division staff were reportedly informed that Take-Two would no longer be backing the indie label, leading to speculation that the label may be shuttered. However, reports suggest that Take-Two is exploring options to sell Private Division and its studios. Talks with Paradox Interactive to acquire Intercept have reportedly fallen through, while a private equity firm has shown interest in acquiring Private Division.
The uncertainty surrounding Private Division’s future has left employees anxious about what lies ahead for the indie label. With allegations of a toxic workplace environment at Moon Studios, the future of Private Division remains unclear as Take-Two explores potential sale options.