Krafton, the South Korean gaming powerhouse, has made a significant leadership change at Unknown Worlds, the studio renowned for its acclaimed title, Subnautica. The company has appointed Steve Papoutsis as the new CEO, marking a new chapter for the developer. This transition comes as Krafton announced the immediate replacement of the studio’s co-founders—Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire. Despite efforts to retain the founding trio, Krafton ultimately decided to move forward without them.
New Leadership and Vision
Steve Papoutsis brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously held positions at notable companies such as Crystal Dynamics and Visceral Games. His journey with Krafton began in 2019 when he joined through Striking Distance Studios, the team behind the 2021 horror title, The Callisto Protocol. Papoutsis’s extensive background in game development positions him well to lead Unknown Worlds into its next phase.
In a statement addressing investors, Krafton CEO CH Kim emphasized the importance of delivering an exceptional gaming experience, particularly with the highly anticipated release of Subnautica 2. “There is nothing more important than the gamer experience. Given the anticipation around Subnautica 2, we owe our players nothing less than the best possible game, as soon as possible,” he remarked. Kim expressed enthusiasm about Papoutsis’s arrival, highlighting a shared commitment to enhancing the Subnautica franchise.
In response to his new role, Papoutsis conveyed his excitement about joining the Krafton family and collaborating with the talented team at Unknown Worlds. “Player experience is our North Star, and the team is laser-focused on delivering the best possible game for the Subnautica community,” he stated. He also took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of the previous leadership, thanking Ted, Charlie, and Max for their foundational work in creating the beloved Subnautica universe, while expressing gratitude to fans for their ongoing support and patience.
