Krafton has responded to a lawsuit from former leads of Subnautica 2, claiming they resorted to litigation to seek a multimillion-dollar payout that they did not earn. The lawsuit by former Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill and co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire alleges that Krafton obstructed the game's development and fired them to avoid a $250 million bonus linked to early access release milestones. Krafton contends that the game's release was initially planned for Q1 2024, but the leads neglected their responsibilities, focusing on personal projects instead. They claim the founders aimed to release the game prematurely to secure paychecks, rather than ensuring a quality product. Krafton has challenged their allegations and is seeking the court's ruling in its favor, denying the founders’ claims while emphasizing their failure to deliver adequate content for Subnautica 2.
What is the current status of Subnautica 2's development?Subnautica 2's development is currently mired in legal disputes, with Krafton stating that the game was not ready for launch and the leads should return to their positions to ensure quality before release. The anticipated release has been pushed back to 2026, as Krafton argues that the founders were more focused on securing their financial bonuses than developing the game.
Subnautica 2, the sequel to the popular survival game Subnautica, aims to further explore underwater environments and expand upon the original's gameplay mechanics. The franchise is known for its rich exploration elements, crafting systems, and immersive narratives, which have captivated players since the launch of the first game in 2018. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment, but the ongoing legal issues have thrown its future into uncertainty.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
Legal battles and delayed releases are never a good look, especially for a franchise with such a passionate fanbase—here's hoping Subnautica 2 resurfaces stronger once the dust settles. It’s wild how often creative differences turn into courtroom drama, but at least the delay might mean a more polished game in the end.
Legal drama aside, it's a shame to see such a beloved franchise caught in development hell—hopefully the game doesn't end up as deep underwater as its setting. Fingers crossed the teams can resolve this without sacrificing the quality fans expect.