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.
