View source for News/Krafton vs. Subnautica 2 Devs

{{News
|seo_title=Krafton vs. Subnautica 2 Devs
|seo_keywords=Krafton
|image=Krafton_CI_2020.png
|tags=Krafton
|date=2025-09-18T11:15:57.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=Games Industry
|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/krafton-inc-versus-subnautica-2-former-lead-developers
|article=News/Krafton vs. Subnautica 2 Devs
}}
|author=Andura
|category=Business
|content=Tensions have erupted between Subnautica developer Unknown Worlds and its parent company Krafton, following the sudden removal of the studio’s founding leadership. The shake-up comes amid growing controversy surrounding the development and delayed release of Subnautica 2, one of Steam’s most-wishlisted upcoming titles.

Krafton has replaced former CEO Ted Gill, co-founder and creative director Charlie Cleveland, and CTO Max McGuire with Steve Papoustis, who also leads The Callisto Protocol studio, Striking Distance. The decision has sparked backlash from the community and triggered a legal complaint filed by the ousted founders in Delaware’s Chancery Court.

At the heart of the dispute are disagreements over development progress, employee bonuses, and revenue sharing—particularly regarding Subnautica 2’s Early Access launch. Initially planned for 2025, the game is now delayed until 2026, raising further concerns about its future.

Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021 in a deal worth up to $750 million, promising at the time to maintain the studio’s leadership and creative independence. That assurance has now come under scrutiny, as the relationship between developer and publisher appears to have fractured.

The legal case and leadership overhaul cast uncertainty over the future of Subnautica 2, and highlight growing tensions in the games industry between creative teams and corporate ownership.
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