One of the most intriguing aspects surrounding the development of Subnautica 2 transcends the game itself, delving into the often-overlooked realm of business dynamics. The focal point of speculation is the substantial bonus promised to the principals of Unknown Worlds—Ted Gill, Max McGuire, and Charlie Cleveland—by Krafton following their acquisition of the studio in 2021. According to a report from the Korea Economic Daily, the answer to the pressing question of when this bonus will be disbursed is, soon.
Financial Implications of Success
The report indicates that Krafton committed to compensating the trio with .12 for every dollar earned once Unknown Worlds’ monthly revenues surpassed .8 million, up to a cap of 0 million. This arrangement raises eyebrows, especially considering that Subnautica 2 launched with remarkable success, selling four million copies within its first week. The game has garnered a “very positive” rating from over 94,000 user reviews on Steam, showcasing its appeal even in a technically pre-release state.
As the fastest-selling game of 2026 thus far, according to Alinea Analytics, Subnautica 2 has outperformed notable titles such as Slay the Spire 2, Resident Evil Requiem, and Crimson Desert. This meteoric rise in sales has made the anticipated payout seem almost inevitable, yet the KED report adds a layer of clarity to the situation, prompting a critical question: What was Krafton thinking?
Controversies and Legal Challenges
The narrative took a dramatic turn when Krafton’s abrupt dismissal of Gill, McGuire, and Cleveland in 2025 was scrutinized in court. Initially, Krafton alleged that the studio’s leaders were hastily pushing the game to market to capitalize on its success. However, the court proceedings revealed that Krafton had been aware of the executives’ actions prior to their termination and had even approved of their strategy. Furthermore, it was disclosed that Krafton CEO Changhan Kim sought AI advice on how to extricate the company from the contract, fearing he had entered into a “pushover” agreement during the acquisition of Unknown Worlds.
Profitability vs. Payouts
The financial ramifications of this situation are significant. Krafton reported an operating profit of 1.1 trillion Korean won for its 2025 fiscal year, translating to approximately 6 million. If the bonus is fully realized, it could consume more than a third of the company’s annual profits, a scenario that raises concerns about the sustainability of such a payout.
As the situation unfolds, I have reached out to Krafton for further comment and will provide updates as they become available.
