Subnautica 2 publisher Krafton has filed its reply to a criticism by Unknown Worlds cofounders alleging breach of contract. It accuses Charles Cleveland, Adam “Max” McGuire, and Edward “Ted” Gill of prioritizing a $250 million payout over the profitable launch of the second-most-wishlisted sport on Steam. The corporate mentioned the veteran builders have been fired “to prevent {them] from permanently damaging Unknown Worlds’ most valuable IP, the company itself, and its goodwill with its fans.”
In a lawsuit filed last month, the cofounders claimed Krafton tried to sabotage Subnautica 2‘s planned Early Access launch this year to avoid paying a $250 million bonus it had agreed to at the time Unknown Worlds was sold if the studio hit certain revenue targets in 2025 and early 2026. The legal complaint alleged that Krafton violated the terms of the deal by overriding the studio’s independence and firing the cofounders with out trigger.
In its response filed on August 12, Krafton denies many of the allegations within the authentic criticism and argues that it was the cofounders who have been making an attempt to hurry Subnautica 2 out into the wild regardless of being behind on its anticipated content material scope. When the corporate tried to enlist the cofounders, who weren’t immediately concerned within the sport’s improvement, to get it again on monitor, it says it was rebuffed. Krafton claims it had no alternative however to take away them from the studio to be able to shield Subnautica 2 and forestall a disastrous launch.
In keeping with Krafton’s response, a improvement director at Unknown Worlds advised Gill in 2023 that “folks think…Max and Charlie are checked out as studio heads and are confused as to why.” It accuses the cofounders of being extra concerned in ardour tasks than in getting Subnautica 2—which suffered delays all through 2024—able to ship.
“Krafton was not willing to take the risk of the resulting damage to the Subnautica franchise and the Company’s long-term reputation–a risk that, if materialized, would be irreversible, as shown with Kerbal Space Program 2,” the submitting reads. “As Unknown Worlds’ sole stockholder, Krafton had invested $500 million in the success of not only Subnautica 2, but also Subnautica 3, Subnautica 4, and any other future Subnautica franchise product.”
Subnautica 2 is at the moment scheduled to reach someday in 2026 and Krafton has promised bonus payouts to the remaining employees at Unknown Worlds regardless of the delay. Many followers on the subreddit, initially incensed by the sudden upheaval on the studio, have sounded more and more burnt out on the back-and-forth volleys of accusations. On the charge at which most authorized battles unfold, they’ll possible be taking part in the sequel lengthy earlier than the $250 million dispute is settled.
“We believe the facts speak for themselves,” Krafton wrote in a press release at this time. “This answer reflects our commitment to protecting both the Subnautica IP and the global community that has supported it for years.”
