The highly anticipated sequel, Subnautica 2, has found itself in the spotlight this summer, not for its gameplay, but due to a contentious legal battle. The dispute pits publisher Krafton against the former leadership team of its development studio, Unknown Worlds. Founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, alongside CEO Ted Gill, were ousted from the studio. They subsequently initiated a lawsuit against Krafton, alleging the publisher is attempting to withhold a substantial $250 million performance bonus.
A recent development in the case reveals that Krafton has altered its legal reasoning for the dismissal of the leadership team. Initially, as reported by PC Gamer, Krafton claimed the founders intended to rush Subnautica 2 into early access this year prematurely to secure their performance bonus. However, during the discovery phase of the trial, Fortis Advisors, the legal representatives for the founders, requested evidence for this assertion. Krafton reportedly failed to provide any, leading to the withdrawal of this particular claim from their legal filing. Fortis Advisors characterized this move as a “seismic shift” in the case, expressing that it was “a little bit bewildering.”
Despite retracting its initial justification, Krafton continues to maintain other accusations. The publisher asserts that the founders neglected their responsibilities in overseeing Subnautica 2`s development to completion. Furthermore, Krafton accuses them of downloading confidential files and retaining devices containing sensitive information. Curiously, these details reportedly surfaced only after the leadership team had already been removed. Nevertheless, Krafton argues these revelations retroactively validate their termination.
Fortis, on the other hand, contends that Krafton has not been fully cooperative during the discovery process, allegedly ignoring requests to confer or share information crucial to the case. The latest update indicates that both parties have now agreed to engage in discussions.
While the legal proceedings could span several years, the court of public opinion has already begun its verdict. Following widespread calls from fans for a boycott of Subnautica 2 amidst reports of the $250 million bonus being withheld, Bloomberg reported a significant update. Krafton has extended the bonus period into the next year, aiming to provide the current Unknown Worlds team with a better opportunity to meet financial benchmarks. This would allow them to earn $25 million, which would be distributed among 40 employees. It`s noteworthy that the remaining $225 million of the original bonus was earmarked for the former leadership team before their forced departure from the company.
Subnautica 2 is currently projected to enter early access in 2026, launching on PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms.