Krafton says former Subnautica 2 developers ‘lost interest’ in project
Krafton has responded to an ongoing legal dispute involving former Subnautica 2 developers, claiming that key team members had “lost interest” in the game’s development. The South Korean publisher’s statement comes after former executives accused the company of delaying the game’s release to avoid paying agreed performance bonuses. This back-and-forth has intensified the conflict surrounding the future of Subnautica 2, raising questions about creative direction, leadership, and development priorities.
Krafton’s version of events
According to Krafton, three former executives of Subnautica 2’s studio, Unknown Worlds—Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire—shifted focus away from the project following the studio’s acquisition. The publisher claims the deal, valued at $500 million with the potential for $250 million in additional bonuses, did not keep the developers fully committed. Statements from the filing allege that Cleveland began working on film projects, McGuire pursued unrelated initiatives, and Gill focused more on maximizing financial outcomes than advancing the game.
Impact on Subnautica 2 development
Krafton argues that the absence of strong leadership led to slower progress on Subnautica 2. Without Cleveland and McGuire actively driving the creative process, the publisher maintains that delays to the game’s early access release were unavoidable. While the plaintiffs allege these delays were intentional to avoid payouts, Krafton insists the decision was made purely to ensure the game was ready for players.
Ongoing legal battle and industry implications
The dispute between Krafton and the former executives highlights the complex dynamics between publishers and creative teams in the gaming industry. Subnautica 2 remains a highly anticipated title, but ongoing litigation and public disagreements may affect its momentum. As the case unfolds, players and industry watchers are closely monitoring whether the legal outcome will influence the game’s release schedule—or set new precedents for how bonus agreements are structured in game development deals.
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