The legal battle surrounding the popular video game franchise Subnautica has reached new heights as Krafton, the parent company of developer Unknown Worlds, has faced serious allegations from co-founders Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill. The trio claims they were unjustly fired to avoid paying a substantial bonus related to the upcoming launch of Subnautica 2. Krafton countered by asserting that the executives were not actively contributing to the game's development before their termination and accused them of preparing for legal action by stealing business information. The trial has uncovered controversial statements attributed to Cleveland that some interpreters have deemed racially biased towards Korean culture. As the legal proceedings come to a close, the community is left concerned about the impact this dispute may have on the future of Subnautica 2.

What is the current status of the Subnautica legal battle?

The trial has concluded, with a post-trial argument date set for January 9, 2026. Following this, a judgment will be delivered, although there is potential for an out-of-court settlement.

Subnautica initially launched in 2014 to critical acclaim, combining survival and exploration elements in an underwater world. Its sequel, Subnautica 2, is highly anticipated by fans eager for new content in this immersive survival experience. The ongoing legal strife raises concerns over the game's development and how external factors could influence its final release.