Krafton has quietly stepped back from its role as the publisher of Subnautica 2 on Steam, with its subsidiary Unknown Worlds now taking center stage as both developer and publisher. This shift marks a significant turn in the complex relationship between the two companies, which has been anything but straightforward.
Corporate Turmoil and Legal Battles
The saga began in 2021 when Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds, the creative minds behind the beloved Subnautica franchise. However, the relationship soured last year when Krafton made the controversial decision to dismiss the studio’s leadership just as Subnautica 2 was gearing up for its early access launch. The abrupt firing led to a legal confrontation, with Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill filing a lawsuit against Krafton. Gill alleged that the dismissal was a strategic move to evade a hefty 0 million bonus tied to the game’s performance metrics.
In a twist of fate, a judge sided with Gill, mandating Krafton to reinstate him as CEO. This ruling not only restored Gill’s position but also added layers of complexity to the game’s release timeline.
Confusion Surrounding Release Dates
While Subnautica 2 was initially slated for a May release, the announcement caught Gill off guard, as he claimed he had not sanctioned the timeline. This has led to a cloud of uncertainty regarding the actual early access launch date. Currently, a definitive date remains elusive, although a judge has granted Gill an extension, allowing him until September 15 to launch the game without jeopardizing the potential bonus.
According to Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, should Subnautica 2 achieve the necessary revenue targets to trigger the bonus, a portion of this financial windfall will be distributed among select staff members at Unknown Worlds. As it stands, Subnautica 2 holds the title of the most wishlisted game on Steam, indicating a strong anticipation from the gaming community.
In light of these developments, I have reached out to Unknown Worlds for further clarification regarding the recent changes and will provide updates as they become available.
