US EditionFormer Subnautica 2 Leaders Accuse Krafton of Hindering Game's Release, Firing Them to Avoid Paying $250 Million Bonus
NO LOC, JUL 17 – Former Unknown Worlds leaders allege Krafton delayed Subnautica 2 and fired co-founders to avoid a $250 million earnout bonus tied to 2025 revenue targets, according to their lawsuit.
- In early July 2025, Krafton dismissed the three co-founders of Unknown Worlds amid disagreements tied to the postponed release of Subnautica 2’s early access version.
- The conflict arose after Krafton reviewed revenue projections showing Subnautica 2 could trigger a $250 million bonus payout if released in 2025, prompting Krafton to push a delay.
- Krafton claimed the founders abandoned their roles and delayed the game for quality reasons, while the founders argued the game was ready and Krafton hindered the release to avoid paying bonuses.
- A lawsuit filed by the founders on July 10, 2025, accuses Krafton of breach of contract, wrongful termination, and intentionally delaying Subnautica 2 to evade the $250 million bonus payment.
- This dispute severely damaged the relationship between Krafton and Unknown Worlds and left Subnautica 2's release date and bonus payments uncertain.
16 Articles
16 Articles
What the hell is going on with Subnautica 2?
If I had to describe the status of Subnautica 2 in just three words, it would be these: messy, messy, messy. That’s not to say the game itself is in terrible shape — this is actually a pivotal claim in the whole situation — but the relationship between Subnautica series developer Unknown Worlds and its parent company, Krafton, is in shreds. This month alone, Krafton fired the founders and CEO of Unknown Worlds, Subnautica 2 was delayed until 202…
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.
Extra Credits Live — Subnautica 2 Publisher Implosion
Will and Geoff dive into the details and talk about Krafton, Unknown Worlds, Subnautica 2, and the mess that’s currently captivating the internet. Oh, and how this probably started with a bad M&A contract. | This episode dove in live on 7/17/2025 Join Extra Credits’ designer-in-residence Geoffrey Zatkin and analysis enthusiast Will Kunkel for weekly episodes of Design Club, where they talk about the things that make our favorite games so special!
News from HD Technology. Visit www.hd-tecnologia.com for the latest news. The development of Subnautica 2 is passing through turbulent waters. A lawsuit filed by former executives of Unknown Worlds Entertainment against the South Korean company Krafton revealed worrying details about what happens behind the scenes with this expected underwater survival game.
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