In a dramatic turn of events, the founders of Unknown Worlds, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with former CEO Ted Gill, have initiated legal proceedings against Krafton, as reported by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier. The situation escalated when Krafton accused the former leadership of the Subnautica developer of neglecting their responsibilities, leading to significant project delays and confusion regarding the game’s direction.
Krafton, renowned for its successful title PUBG, acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021 for a substantial 0 million, supplemented by an additional 0 million earmarked for performance bonuses. These bonuses were predominantly intended for Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire, with the expectation that they would actively guide the development of Subnautica 2. However, Krafton claims that Cleveland diverted his focus to a personal film project rather than contributing to the game’s progress.
Accusations and Responses
In a statement, Krafton expressed disappointment in the former leadership, asserting that their actions constituted a betrayal of the trust placed in them by fans. The company emphasized that the current version of Subnautica 2 lacks sufficient content, which has necessitated a delay in its release until 2026. Krafton’s press release was notably candid, revealing tensions that had previously been only hinted at.
Following the dismissal of Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire, Krafton appointed Steve Papoutsis, previously of Striking Distance Studios, as the new CEO, promising renewed momentum for the project. The company assured stakeholders that the development team remained intact, subtly indicating that the former leaders had not been actively involved in recent work on the game.
In response, Cleveland defended the current state of Subnautica 2, asserting that it was ready for early access. Despite this, the announcement of a delay raised speculation about Krafton’s motivations, with some suggesting that the timing was strategically aligned to avoid the hefty bonus payout. Krafton, however, denied that financial considerations influenced the decision.
Moreover, Krafton has committed to ensuring fair compensation for the remaining employees at Unknown Worlds who have diligently contributed to the game’s development. The specifics of this compensation remain unclear, particularly in light of reports suggesting that the dismissed leadership had intended to distribute the bonus among the entire team of approximately 100 employees, which could significantly alter the financial landscape for those still involved.
The unfolding drama has ignited discussions within the Subnautica community, with opinions divided. Some players lean towards Krafton’s narrative, while others rally behind the creators of the original Subnautica, a title celebrated for its innovation and depth. As the situation develops, it is evident that the rift between Krafton and the former Unknown Worlds leadership is far from resolved, suggesting a turbulent path ahead for all parties involved.
