Tag: Subnautica 2

  • Subnautica 2 Sales Trigger Potential $250M Krafton Bonus Payout

    Subnautica 2 Sales Trigger Potential $250M Krafton Bonus Payout

    Key Takeaway

    – Subnautica 2 sold 4 million copies in its first week, generating $120 million in gross revenue.
    – This triggered a $250 million milestone bonus from publisher Krafton, which it had tried to avoid in court.
    – The game launched in early access on May 14, 2026, with an incomplete story and bugs, but features seamless four-player co-op.
    – It peaked at 467,000 concurrent players on Steam and is predicted to be the fastest-selling indie game of 2026.
    – A Delaware court cleared the path for the early-access release by reinstating key developers and leadership.

    Deep Sea Hit Breaks Records

    Unknown Worlds’ long awaited deep sea survival exploration game, Subnautica 2, whcih released in early access on May 14, 2026, sold four million copies within a week, generating gross revenue of $120 million. As a result, publisher Krafton now has to hand over the $250 million milestone-specific bonus that the company spent months in court trying to avoid paying out.

    Multiplayer and Early Access State

    Subnautica 2 landed on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X|S on May 14, despite haveing an incomplete story and technical bugs that may persist for a year or two before its official 1.0 launch. This time, the game introduces seamless four-player co-op, alloweing friends and family to drop in without destroying your carefully built bases.

    Of course, the game is still unfinished but Unknown Worlds is keeping the hype going with improvements and announcement of content updates. So far, the game has reached an all-time peak of 467,000 concurrent players on Steam. While official sales figures arn’t out yet, Alinea Analytics has predicted the game has already generated more than $100 million in revenue, potentionally making it the fastest-selling indie game on the platform so far in 2026.

    Kraftons Costly Agreement

    This spells good news for the gaming community and Unknown Worlds, but bad news for publisher Krafton, as the revenue target was baked right into the publishers acquisition agreement for Unknown Worlds. According to The Korea Economic Daily, “Krafton agrees to pay $3.12 for every $1, or up to $250 million, to Unknown Worlds’ former shareholders every time the studio’s revenue tops $69.8 million in a month, since the South Korean game developer acquired the U.S. firm in 2021.”

    Leagal and Financial Impact

    The first month alone could trigger the cap and the full payout would be around 35% of Kraftons entire operating profit from the previous year. Everything is in the clear for Unknown Worlds, as a Delaware court has already cleared the path for the early-access release by reinstating the key developers, appointing Ted Gill president, and alloweing developer Charlie Cleveland more hands-on time with the game.

    With the game in early access, it has its bugs and missing features, but so far, the community seems patient, given the leagal battles Unknown Worlds has been going through while also working on Subnautica 2.

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  • Subnautica 2: Is Early Access Worth It?

    Subnautica 2: Is Early Access Worth It?

    Key Takeaway

    – Subnautica 2 closely mirrors Subnautica 1 but with meaningful, not radical, improvements, especially in atmosphere and core exploration features.
    – The Early Access build is technically solid with few major bugs and good performance, though some systems (map, story, crafting) feel unfinished.
    – Content is limited for now, with room for growth via updates; newcomers may prefer waiting for the full release, while fans of exploration may enjoy early access.

    Subnautica 2 finally entered Early Access on May 14. After the enormous success of the first game, which became one of the biggest indie highlights of 2018, expectations were naturally high – and it seems that developer Unknown Worlds has largely managed to meet them. For anyone wondering whether the roughly $30 Early Access price is worth it, two key questions matter most: How good is the sequel itself, and how polished is the Early Access version right now?

    Subnautica 2 sticks closely to the formula that made the original so successful. Players explore an alien underwater world, gather resources, build bases, upgrade equipment and gradually descend into increasingly dangerous depths – while encountering plenty of strange new sea creatures along the way. New additions include co-op multiplayer, expanded base building, DNA customization and a new vehicle called the “Tadpole.”

    Overview and initial impressions

    According to the German outlet GameStar, Subnautica 2 in its current state feels very close to the first game. The review essentially describes it as “Subnautica 1, but better.” Unknown Worlds has not tried to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, the sequel focuses on meaningful improvements rather than radical new ideas. That may not necessarily be a bad thing. GameStar particularly praises the atmosphere, which reportedly feels much closer to the original again after Below Zero was seen by many fans as a slight step backward. Criticism mainly targets the story, which GameStar describes as slow, predictable and clichéd. Even so, Subnautica 2 already has more than 97,000 Steam reviews with a very positive average rating of 91%.

    Technical state and early access content

    Technically, Subnautica 2 appears to be in unusually good shape for an Early Access launch. According to GameStar, there are hardly any major bugs or performance issues. Reddit users have also praised the game’s technical condition, and it is already Steam Deck Verified. There still seems to be room for optimization, though. Some users report that even powerful PCs do not deliver exceptional frame rates. Content-wise, fans should keep their expectations in check for now. Many players feel that the map, story and crafting systems are still unfinished, although that is expected to improve throughout the Early Access period. According to the roadmap, the game is set to receive smaller updates as well as at least one major content drop during development.

    Early Access will likely appeal most to existing fans who want to recapture the feeling of exploration, wonder and cautious dives into unknown depths while following the game’s development up close. In that case, the currently limited amount of content will probably be easier to overlook. Players expecting many new gameplay mechanics or a stronger focus on storytelling, however, may end up disappointed.

    What newcomers can expect

    Fans who are hesitant because of potential technical issues can probably buy in with confidence based on the current state of the game. Whether Subnautica 2 is the best choice for newcomers is more debatable. For first-time players, the original Subnautica is probably still the better option. It simply offers more content, a complete story and a fully realized world – and for many players, it remains one of the best survival crafting games ever made. Although Subnautica 2 already looks very promising and successfully recaptures the atmosphere of the original, its content is still in an early stage. Anyone planning to play the game only once and wanting the complete experience right away should probably wait for version 1.0, which is not expected for quite some time.


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  • Subnautica 2 Dev Responds to Pirates Bragging on Discord

    Subnautica 2 Dev Responds to Pirates Bragging on Discord

    Key Takeaway

    – Developers acknowledge piracy but prefer consumers buy the game, try it briefly, and use refunds if dissatisfied.
    – Public stance emphasizes frustration with pirates who flaunt illegal access in official spaces.
    – The situation highlights ongoing development challenges and industry tensions, including legal disputes and community reactions.

    Subnautica 2’s developers, including the creative development lead for the early-access underwater survival-exploration title, know that many gamers will pirate the game. Still, they hope many users will instead buy the game, play it for an hour, and, if they don’t like it, simply refund Subnautica 2. In a world where digital goods go fast, they argue that a try-and-refund approach could still help build interest without forcing bad behavior, even if the reality isn’t that simple for everyone.

    Context around release and reactions

    For context, some players pirated Subnautica 2 just before its early-access release on May 14, 2026. This wasn’t a problem for Gallegos, but what really got under his skin was the fact that some pirates were bragging about it in Subnautica 2’s official Discord server. He isn’t losing sleep over it, but it bothered him enough to make a statement. The moment highlighted how communities react to leaks and how developers feel when their work is shared before official channels sign off on it, mixing pride with frustration in equal measure.

    Public response and viral moment

    When Subnautica 2 launched in early access on May 14, Gallegos shared a straightforward message (in Subnautica 2’s official Discord server) with gamers and pirates alike, which went viral on the r/subnautica subreddit. He said he gets it. He understands why piracy happens, especially when money is tight in this economy. However, flaunting it when others paid for the game and were waiting for release was crossing the line. It felt childish. The post became a talking point about ethics and empathy in fan communities, stirring mixed reactions about empathy versus enforcement in digital spaces, and underscoring the tension between fan enthusiasm and the realities of monetized development.

    Key quotes and stance

    Anthony Gallegos wrote:

    Just to be clear, pirates are gonna do their thing. We were all kids once. Money and the economy are very hard right now. I get it. It wasn’t the piracy that bothered me; it was the people who flagrantly walked in here and wagged it in the faces of people who were waiting to play it legitimately. That was the part that aggravated me.

    Continued message and intent

    Gallegos continued, “I cannot condone piracy, but I get why people do it. I would much rather people buy the game, try it for an hour, and return it than go play it illegally.” The sentiment focused on a preference for legitimate purchases while acknowledging the harsh realities for some players who feel price pressures or distrust toward launch models, a common theme in indie and larger studio dynamics alike, prompting discussions about demos, trials, and refund policies as softer approaches to combating piracy.

    Aftermath and broader implications

    Gallegos also noted that one gamer who pirated Subnautica 2 before its early-access launch was asking for help with the incomplete leaked build. He remarked, “You gotta be a true idiot to come into an official Discord server and ask for help. Thanks for pirating a game that I’ve spent years working on. I’m disappointed that you’d do that when it’s kind of how we make our living. I hope you rethink your life choices.” The stark language reflected a mix of frustration and protective sentiment toward the team’s labor, illustrating how tensions can flare in public forums when leaks collide with ongoing development and support commitments.

    Development hell and legal turbulence

    While Gallegos’ message might be a little emotional toward the end, it’s true that the game went through development hell due to an incredibly chaotic corporate war, with back-and-forth lawsuits between Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton. The episode underscored how licensing disputes, publisher-studio dynamics, and legal entanglements can ripple into fan communities and influence how projects are perceived, discussed, and funded during early access, shaping expectations for future titles in similar spaces.

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  • Negative Subnautica 2 reviews slam EULA ownership and privacy concerns

    Negative Subnautica 2 reviews slam EULA ownership and privacy concerns

    Key Takeaway

    – Controversial EULA: ownership is licensed to the publisher; restrictive content sharing, potential privacy concerns, and remote game access without consent.
    – TOS restrictions for creators: streaming, recording, and monetization require publisher consent, affecting content creators and mod authors.
    – Regional and enforcement questions: consumer protections in some regions may limit enforcement; broader concerns about always-online or long-term playability.

    Subnautica 2 Early Access Debut and Rising Controversy

    The Subnautica 2 early access debut boasted impressive player counts and sales. Yet, negative Steam reviews increasingly focus on a controversial End-User License Agreement (EULA). Its terms relinquish ownership to the publisher, restrict content sharing, and may infringe on privacy. This paragraph keeps the original pricing and specification details intact, while highlighting the shifting sentiment around the game’s licensing terms.

    Ownership and TOS Strains Community Confidence

    Unless players agree to the terms of service (TOS), they will be blocked from exploring the waterlogged Proteus in the survival game. Enjoying a strong reception, Subnautica 2 Steam reviews currently stand at Very Positive. Nevertheless, after word spread on social media, most unfavorable evaluations highlight a constrictive EULA. The article preserves pricing and spec specifics as stated and reflects the ongoing debate about ownership rights in modern gaming, with Krafton’s license model under scrutiny.

    License Limits and Privacy Concerns

    Ownership rights are a common point of contention in modern gaming. Publisher Krafton only grants buyers a license to play the title. The Unknown Worlds project offers a solo campaign that doesn’t appear to rely on server authentication. Still, movements like Stop Killing Games worry that digital games will become unplayable. This section keeps the original details about licensing and potential server checks, while noting community worries about privacy and control.

    Privacy Implications and Remote Access Fears

    One review that’s attracting attention explains how players may be sacrificing their privacy. Ulrich notes that the EULA prohibits using a VPN to mask IP addresses. Perhaps more concerning, the publisher can remotely access the game without a user’s consent. The handling of personal information like legal names and email addresses is also under scrutiny. The paragraph mirrors the claim layout and the concern over personal data, with a casual nod to potential policy implications.

    Influence of Streamers and Content Restrictions

    Streamers played a role in promoting the lucrative Subnautica 2 early access launch. Even so, recordings and screenshots are subject to restrictions in the TOS. Content creators can’t profit from showcasing the game without Krafton’s consent. That includes mod authors, who will become more popular following the game’s release date. The content restriction notes remain aligned with the original reporting, while describing how creators must navigate licensing terms.

    Regional Enforcement and Consumer Protections

    It’s debatable whether gamers in some regions could even face penalties for infractions. In EU countries with robust consumer protections, companies have struggled to enforce similar conditions. The idea of cross-border enforcement is laid out with emphasis on how policy fits into existing protections, referencing regional differences without altering the core facts presented about the license and potential penalties.

    Community Sentiment and Publisher Scrutiny

    The negative Subnautica 2 Steam reviews may not reflect the majority opinion. Despite passionate opposition, other gamers claim the terms aren’t unique to the survival game. Regardless, Krafton has been under scrutiny since reportedly firing lead developers to avoid bonus payouts. Critics warn that it won’t hesitate to take advantage of its growing community. The closing line preserves the overall narrative of controversy and scrutiny around the publisher’s business choices.

     

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  • Subnautica 2 hits 460K Steam players on early access release

    Subnautica 2 hits 460K Steam players on early access release

    Key Takeaway

    – Subnautica 2 achieved strong early traction with a peak of 400,000+ concurrent players within an hour of launch.
    – It ranks 3rd in Steam’s most played games and has already outpaced some 2026 AAA titles in momentum.
    – Pre-release demand was massive: over 5 million wishlists on Steam and a free gift to supporters.
    – Krafton controversy resolved with CEO reinstatement and an extended bonus window; Unknown Worlds hopes high Steam numbers help meet sales targets; game is on Xbox Game Pass and priced at $29.99.

    Data pointed to a successful debut for Unknown Worlds’ latest underwater survival game. However, on Subnautica 2 early access release date, the title may be beating all expectations. Within an hour of its launch time, it had eclipsed a peak concurrent Steam player count of 400,000.

    Early Momentum

    Subnautica 2 ranks 3rd among the most played Steam games on Valve’s site. However, it has already dethroned some of the leading AAA performers on the marketplace in 2026. With game of the year ambitions, Crimson Desert topped out at over 276,000 players about 10 days after its arrival. Meanwhile, Resident Evil Requiem reached a high-water mark of just above 344,000.

    Slay the Spire 2 is a greater challenge, with a benchmark of 574,638 players. Nevertheless, the project could yet dethrone the popular deckbuilder. More relevant to the sequel, the original Subnautica maxxed out at 51,156 players 8 years ago.

    Notable Benchmarks

    While the Subnautica 2 Steam player count impresses, there were indications of a triumphant launch. More than 5 million buyers had added the title to their Steam wishlists by its early access release date. As the most wanted game on the site, that achievement prompted the studio to hand out a free gift to supporters.

    It’s also worth noting that the oceanic survival adventure is available on Xbox Game Pass. While less expensive at $29.99 than most AAA competitors, that wasn’t the case with Crimson Desert and Resident Evil Requiem.

    With developers and publisher Krafton at odds, fans had urged gamers to buy the title before its release date. In 2025, Krafton was accused of firing the leadership of Unknown Worlds to sabotage the project. It’s suspected that if the game didn’t meet sales targets, the company could avoid paying out a $250 million bonus.

    A court has since reinstated the studio’s CEO and extended the bonus payout window. Defenders of Unknown Worlds believe a high Subnautica 2 Steam player count will help meet that goal.


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  • Subnautica 2 Developer Unknown Worlds Drops Krafton as Publisher on Steam, Epic & Xbox

    Subnautica 2 Developer Unknown Worlds Drops Krafton as Publisher on Steam, Epic & Xbox

    Key Takeaway

    1. Krafton is no longer listed as the publisher of Subnautica 2 across major platforms, with Unknown Worlds now credited as both developer and publisher.
    2. This change coincides with an ongoing legal dispute between Krafton and Unknown Worlds, related to the acquisition deal and bonus payments.
    3. The legal battle resulted in a Delaware court ruling reinstating Unknown Worlds’ former leadership and control over Subnautica 2’s development.
    4. The removal of Krafton from the publisher role may be a strategic move by Unknown Worlds amid ongoing legal and PR concerns.
    5. Neither company has publicly commented on these changes as the legal dispute continues behind the scenes.

    Legal Issues Impacting Subnautica 2’s Publishing Credits

    The ongoing legal disputes have caused significant confusion about who is officially publishing and developing Subnautica 2. Recently, the game’s Steam page no longer lists Krafton as the publisher, instead showing Unknown Worlds as both the publisher and the developer. This change is not only for Steam but also visible on the Epic Games Store and Xbox listings, where the game is expected to enter Early Access this May.

    Changes Observed on Multiple Platforms

    Since the update date, April 7, 2026, as noted in SteamDB records, the alterations have remained untouched. Developers have had ample opportunities to review and potentially correct the info, but the information still reflects Unknown Worlds as the main publisher, with Krafton relegated to a minor “Franchise” section. This shift suggests that the legal situation is quite fluid and still unresolved by the involved parties.

    Background of the Lawsuit and Its Consequences

    The root of this situation is a lengthy legal battle stemming from Krafton’s acquisition of Unknown Worlds for a hefty 500 million dollars, with an additional 250 million tied to sales targets for Subnautica 2 during Early Access. When Krafton dismissed the studio’s CEO and co-founders, including Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire and Ted Gill, controversy erupted, leading to lawsuits from the dismissed leadership. They allege Krafton wanted to delay the game and avoid paying the promised bonuses, fueling the reported dispute.

    Development and Leadership Dispute

    As a result of a Delaware court ruling in March 2026, Ted Gill was reinstated as CEO and gained control over the development of Subnautica 2 again. While this legal decision adjusts the power dynamics behind the scenes, it does not clarify whether Krafton’s role as the publisher has been officially terminated or merely adjusted. Many are speculating that the apparent removal of Krafton from the publisher status might be a strategic move by Unknown Worlds to protect their reputation amidst ongoing controversy.

    Unanswered Questions and Lack of Official Statements

    Until now, neither Krafton nor Unknown Worlds has issued any public statement about the situation. News outlets have reached out for clarification, but no comments have been provided. The legal process continues, and the full implications remain uncertain. The most confirmed fact presently is that Unknown Worlds is now credited as the publisher and developer of Subnautica 2, with Krafton’s involvement seemingly diminished or altogether removed from the public listings.

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  • Unknown Worlds CEO Accuses Krafton of Violating Court Order

    Unknown Worlds CEO Accuses Krafton of Violating Court Order

    Key Takeaways

    1. Krafton faces criticism for allegedly leaking the early access launch date of Subnautica 2, set for May, intentionally and against a court order.

    2. Ted Gill, the newly reinstated CEO of Unknown Worlds, claims Krafton lacked the authority to make the launch announcement.

    3. Judge Lori Will confirmed that only Ted Gill had the power to decide the game’s release schedule, making Krafton’s actions questionable.

    4. Unknown Worlds’ legal team argues that announcing a game’s release requires careful planning and should be managed by the CEO, which Krafton violated.

    5. Krafton responded, stating that the memo was merely a recognition of the development team’s efforts and did not breach any court orders.

    Krafton, the company behind the underwater survival game Subnautica 2, is facing criticism after new claims surfaced suggesting that it intentionally leaked the game’s anticipated early access launch date set for May. Following Ted Gill’s return as the CEO of Unknown Worlds, it appears that Krafton may not have had the power to make such an announcement. What was thought to be the resolution of a leadership conflict between Krafton and Unknown Worlds is now flaring up again.

    Allegations of Intentional Leak

    Ted Gill, who has just been reinstated as the CEO of Unknown Worlds, argues that Krafton leaked the game’s May early access date intentionally, out of malice, which he claims goes against a court order.

    On March 19, GameFile reported that Unknown Worlds’ legal team had communicated with Judge Will soon after IGN released an internal memo from Krafton executive and former Unknown Worlds CEO Steve Papoutsis. This memo was directed at the Subnautica 2 team and announced a launch window for May.

    Authority in Question

    Krafton later verified the release window for Subnautica 2 through several gaming news platforms. However, Ted Gill’s letter indicated that Krafton did not have the authority to disclose that information.

    Judge Lori Will mentioned on March 16 that only Ted Gill, as the CEO of Unknown Worlds, had the power to decide the game’s launch schedule. Thus, Papoutsis’s memo was sent at a time when he was no longer legally recognized as CEO of Unknown Worlds.

    In a communication to the judge, Ted Gill wrote, “Krafton selfishly announced the launch without considering its effects on the game, the team, the community, or the court’s view.”

    Legal Response

    The lawyers for Unknown Worlds added, “Announcing a game’s release is a major event, typically requiring thorough marketing, fan interaction, and community planning. It is meticulously arranged to heighten excitement for the game.

    This undertaking was meant to be managed by Mr. Gill. Yet, in contravention of the court’s ruling, Krafton has taken over that responsibility, which further damages the game and causes confusion within the Subnautica community.”

    The next day, Krafton sent a letter to Judge Will claiming that it had not breached the court order.

    The letter asserted, “Papoutsis’s communication was merely a recognition of the efforts of Unknown Worlds team regarding a past milestone: Krafton’s earlier decision that Subnautica 2 was prepared for early access. There was nothing wrong with sharing the results of the milestone review or expressing gratitude to the development team for their hard work and talent.”

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  • Court Supports Subnautica 2 Developers in Krafton Controversy

    Court Supports Subnautica 2 Developers in Krafton Controversy

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Delaware court reinstated the leadership of Unknown Worlds Entertainment amid a dispute with parent company Krafton regarding Subnautica 2 and a $250 million earnout agreement.
    2. The conflict began after Krafton acquired the studio in 2021 for $500 million, with accusations from founders that Krafton removed them to avoid paying the earnout.
    3. Recent court documents revealed that Krafton’s CEO explored ways to bypass the earnout, including consulting ChatGPT and forming an internal team named “Project X.”
    4. Krafton claimed their actions were due to project readiness and alleged mismanagement, while also stating the founders attempted to erase evidence.
    5. The court ruled Krafton violated key parts of the acquisition agreement, reinstating leadership and extending the earnout period into 2026-2027.

    A Delaware court has decided to bring back the leadership at Unknown Worlds Entertainment. This is a significant moment in the ongoing clash with parent company Krafton regarding Subnautica 2 and a $250 million earnout agreement.

    Background of the Case

    The dispute arose after Krafton acquired the studio in 2021 for $500 million, which included an extra payment linked to how well the sequel performs. In mid-2025, the founders accused Krafton of removing them and delaying the game’s release to avoid paying that bonus. “Krafton has disregarded its commitments just for profit,” the lawsuit claimed back then.

    New Developments

    Recent court documents provide more detail on these accusations. They reveal that CEO Changhan Kim looked into ways to sidestep the earnout, even consulting ChatGPT and creating an internal team dubbed “Project X.” This plan included options to renegotiate the payout or take over the studio completely. Some internal messages hinted that a takeover might be the “simpler” option.

    Earlier court filings also mentioned talks about lowering proposed payouts, along with internal warnings from Krafton about the legal dangers of dismissing the leadership.

    Krafton’s Position

    Krafton argued that the decision was based on project readiness and alleged mismanagement. The company also claimed that the founders tried to erase important evidence. Additionally, Krafton stated they had proposed extending the earnout period under new conditions.

    The court has now ruled that Krafton violated crucial parts of the acquisition agreement, ordering that the leadership be reinstated and extending the earnout period into 2026-2027.

    Subnautica 2 is still on track for a 2026 release, with both lawsuits continuing to unfold.

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  • Krafton Uses AI to Deny $250M Payout to Subnautica 2 Devs

    Krafton Uses AI to Deny $250M Payout to Subnautica 2 Devs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds Entertainment (UWE) for $500 million, with an additional $250 million bonus contingent on sales targets for Subnautica 2.
    2. Following the acquisition, Krafton fired UWE’s founders and postponed Subnautica 2’s release to 2026, which helped them avoid paying the bonus.
    3. UWE founders allege that Krafton sought legal advice from ChatGPT to find ways to evade the bonus payment and planned a “Project X” to take control of UWE.
    4. Internal communications revealed Krafton discussing renegotiation offers and considering a takeover instead of fulfilling the original agreement.
    5. Both the lawsuit from UWE’s founders and Krafton’s counter-suit regarding mismanagement and theft are ongoing, while Subnautica 2’s release date remains set for early 2026.

    Back in July, court papers released by Charlie Cleveland, one of the three co-founders of Unknown Worlds Entertainment (UWE), showed some fascinating details about the lawsuit against the South Korean publishing giant, Krafton. The documents contained shocking accusations regarding the publisher’s conduct during the time leading up to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed, “Krafton has tossed its promises aside for the sake of profit, taking the game from the hands of its creators and community.”

    Acquisition and Bonuses

    When Krafton purchased UWE for a whopping $500 million in October 2021, they also agreed to pay the founders an extra $250 million if certain sales targets were achieved, particularly for Subnautica 2. In late 2024, UWE announced the early access release date for Subnautica 2 would be in 2025. However, just six months later, Krafton fired the founders and soon after postponed the launch to 2026, claiming that various aspects of the game required more work from the remaining UWE and Krafton teams. This delay also meant they could avoid paying the previously arranged bonus.

    Legal Tactics and Internal Discussions

    Interestingly, after announcing a shift toward becoming an AI-focused company, the founders allege in their new filing that Krafton consulted ChatGPT for legal strategies to dodge the bonus payment. The filing stated, “Krafton dismissed the Founders and took control of Unknown Worlds to escape the earnout.” It continued, “Documents show that Krafton was exploring ways to ‘cancel the earn-out’ and that their secret ‘Project X’ aimed to either negotiate a ‘Deal’ regarding the earnout or execute a ‘Take over.’ When the Founders refused to meet Krafton’s terms about the earnout, Krafton deemed a ‘take over’ the easier option.”

    Renegotiation Offers and Current Status

    Leaked internal communications reveal Krafton’s discussions regarding offers to renegotiate payments. Richard (Sang-Han) Yoon’s texts were quoted, saying, “I had a call earlier. They’re asking for 75 million for themselves and 40 million for their team members … They insist on negotiating the team packages together,” Yoon added. “Right now, we’re considering a bucket of around 10 million for the team,” he concluded. “It might just be simpler to take over.”

    Chang Han Kim replied, “Set a date and send a letter if you need to send it early.”

    The release date for Subnautica 2 remains set for early 2026, even as both the founders’ lawsuit and Krafton’s counter-suit—accusing mismanagement, theft of files, and sharing confidential information, among other issues—are still unresolved.

    Krafton has since responded to Eurogamer, stating:

    “This assertion is merely a diversion from their own attempts to destroy evidence, such as Charlie reminding other Key Employees (Max and Ted) to erase anything ‘incriminating’ from their ChatGPT accounts. Contrary to Fortis’s claims, Krafton proposed extending the earnout period if the Key Employees returned to their contractually obligated positions.”

     

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  • Subnautica 2 Lawsuit Takes Strange Turn as Krafton Changes Stance

    Subnautica 2 Lawsuit Takes Strange Turn as Krafton Changes Stance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unknown Worlds’ founders were dismissed by Krafton just before Subnautica 2’s early access, initially citing the game’s readiness as the reason.
    2. The founders have filed a lawsuit against Krafton, claiming their termination was unjust and asserting that they were not neglecting their responsibilities.
    3. Krafton has changed its justification for the dismissal, now focusing on allegations of deception and abandonment rather than the game’s readiness.
    4. Accusations have emerged regarding the founders downloading confidential data, which Krafton claims contributed to their firing, but this information surfaced post-termination.
    5. Krafton is facing accusations of being uncooperative in the lawsuit, leading to surprise from both the judge and the founders’ legal team regarding the shifting allegations.

    Back in July, the creators of Unknown Worlds, the studio known for the Subnautica series, were dismissed by their parent company Krafton just before the early access of the second game, citing the game’s readiness as the cause. Shortly after their termination, the founders took legal action against Krafton, and the situation has become increasingly complicated. The newest update indicates that Krafton now considers the main reason for their firing as irrelevant and is shifting focus to other allegations.

    Lawsuit Developments

    After the lawsuit was initiated against Krafton, Unknown Worlds assured its supporters that the work on Subnautica 2 would continue as planned. Not long after, the studio filed a lawsuit against the former co-founders, claiming that their behavior contributed to delays and limited progress on the game. The lawsuit also asserted that the founders had “largely abandoned” their responsibilities as creative and technical leads.

    Changing Arguments

    As per a report from PCGamer, Fortis Advisors, representing the co-founders, mentioned, “The termination letters for the founders cited one reason for their dismissal, which was the alleged lack of readiness of Subnautica 2 for launch. Krafton has consistently reiterated this justification.” However, according to the report, Krafton has now altered its stance and removed the initial reason regarding the game’s readiness from consideration.

    Now, Krafton asserts that the state of the game was not relevant to the termination of the co-founders; instead, they claim the issues were about deception and abandonment. They stated that the previous leadership “abandoned their positions” and “deceived” their employer, leading to their dismissal. Additionally, Krafton accused the former founders of downloading files and retaining devices containing confidential data. This information only came to light after the termination, so it couldn’t be cited as a valid reason for their firing. Furthermore, the co-founders maintained that they were entitled to those documents and devices, a point supported by the judge.

    Accusations and Surprises

    Moreover, Fortis has also charged Krafton with being uncooperative regarding information about the substantial earnout and has contested the requests for discovery. The renewed allegations from Krafton caught Fortis and Judge Lori W. Will off guard, with the judge demanding immediate clarification. Ultimately, both sides agreed to discuss further and concluded that the game’s readiness was not the cause of the co-founders’ termination.

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