US Edition
Former Subnautica 2 Leaders Accuse Krafton of Hindering Game's Release, Firing Them to Avoid Paying $250 Million Bonus
UNITED STATES, JUL 17 – Co-founders accuse Krafton of breaching contract by delaying Subnautica 2 and firing leadership to avoid a $250 million bonus tied to 2025 revenue targets, lawsuit claims.
- On July 10, 2025, Unknown Worlds' founders filed a 58-page lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court, accusing Krafton of sabotaging Subnautica 2 to avoid a $250 million payout.
- During Krafton's 2021 acquisition of Unknown Worlds, the deal included a $250 million earnout tied to performance goals by 2025.
- Court filings allege `Krafton engaged in a months-long campaign to delay Subnautica 2’s release`, Charlie Cleveland said, noting Krafton pulled key marketing materials and halted commitments.
- In response, Krafton said, "While we are disappointed that Charlie, Max, and Ted have filed a lawsuit seeking a huge payout, we look forward to defending ourselves in court," while some fans are calling for a boycott of Subnautica 2.
- Looking ahead, the sequel’s delay to 2026 could set a precedent for industry practices, as Krafton faces legal disputes over development sabotage and acquisition promises.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The Korea Times
연합뉴스-Yonhap News AgencyKrafton says Subnautica 2 delay aimed at protecting fans, franchise reputation
Korean game publisher Krafton Inc. said Saturday its recent decisions regarding the development of Subnautica 2 were made to protect the interests of game fans and ensure the long-term success of the...
Legal Battle Erupts as Subnautica 2 Creators Allege Publisher Sabotaged Sequel’s Launch
The gaming world has been rocked by explosive allegations as the ousted founders of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds have filed a lawsuit against publisher Krafton, accusing the company of systematic sabotage to avoid a massive 250 million dollar payout—and ultimately seizing control of the studio in what they claim was an illegal power grab. The original Subnautica, released in 2018 after several years in early access, became one of the mo…
Former Subnautica 2 Leaders Accuse Krafton of Hindering Game's Release, Firing Them to Avoid Paying $250 Million Bonus
Former Subnautica 2 leaders have filed a lawsuit against Unknown Worlds parent Krafton, alleging that Krafton went out of its way to hinder Subnautica 2's development, delay the game, and ultimately fire them from the studio after it learned it may have to pay out a $250 million bonus to employees if the game released on time.
There's something going on under the water surface. Subnautica 2 as well as the development itself is true. Three founders of the studio Unknown Worlds were dismissed, the launch of Early Access postponed and there are allegations in the room that Krafton has planned these steps by long hand to avoid a bonus payment of $250 million. The three ex-employees have even filed a lawsuit in the meantime. Read more
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