Krafton has publicly stated its intention to defend itself in court following the announcement that the former leadership of Unknown Worlds plans to sue the publisher. This legal action comes after a significant shake-up earlier this month, where key members of the Unknown Worlds team were abruptly ousted and replaced.
The controversy centers around the development of Subnautica 2, a highly anticipated sequel to the beloved underwater exploration game. Krafton has emphasized that all decisions regarding the game's development were made to ensure it meets fan expectations and delivers the best possible gaming experience. The situation escalated when Krafton replaced three pivotal leaders at Unknown Worlds, including studio founder and original director of Subnautica, Charlie Cleveland, with Steve Papoutsis, the CEO of Striking Distance, the studio behind The Callisto Protocol.
Last week, the gaming community was taken aback by Krafton's announcement regarding the leadership changes at Unknown Worlds. Despite efforts to keep the original creators involved in the development of Subnautica 2, the swift backlash from fans highlighted the deep concern over the future direction of the franchise. Reports from Bloomberg revealed that Cleveland, along with CEO Ted Gill and special projects director Max McGuire, were reportedly forced out amid Krafton's decision to push back the early access launch of Subnautica 2 from the previously announced 2025 timeline to 2026.
This decision was met with criticism, especially since it was suggested that the change would hinder the studio's ability to achieve the revenue targets necessary for unlocking a promised $250 million bonus for the development team. The ousted leadership’s response was to initiate legal proceedings against Krafton, claiming their removal was unjust and detrimental to the studio's future.
In light of the unfolding legal issues, Krafton has reiterated its commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience with Subnautica 2. A spokesperson for Krafton stated that releasing the game prematurely would risk disappointing players and damaging the reputations of both the Subnautica franchise and Unknown Worlds. "We believe that the players are at the heart of everything we do," the spokesperson added, underscoring the company's dedication to maintaining the integrity of the beloved series.
While Krafton expressed disappointment over the lawsuit filed by Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire, it remains resolute in its focus on the game’s development. "We look forward to defending ourselves in court," Krafton stated, signaling its determination to navigate the legal challenges ahead while prioritizing the delivery of a game that meets the high expectations of Subnautica's dedicated fanbase.