Krafton Settles With Subnautica 2 Developer Unknown Worlds

Krafton has settled a protracted legal dispute with its subsidiary Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the studio behind the upcoming game Subnautica 2, according to a Bloomberg report. The resolution includes the payment of bonuses to Unknown Worlds' staff. The disagreement originated last year when Krafton removed Unknown Worlds' co-founders, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill, from their positions. This action preceded a potential initial public offering (IPO) for Krafton, which was reportedly exploring a valuation of $250 million for Unknown Worlds.

The core of the dispute centered on bonus payments that Unknown Worlds' employees believed they were owed. Krafton's decision to remove the studio's leadership and the subsequent financial disagreements led to significant tension between the parent company and its development team. The settlement aims to mend this relationship and ensure the continued development of Subnautica 2. Specific details regarding the exact bonus amounts or the terms of the settlement were not disclosed in the report.

Unknown Worlds Entertainment is known for its critically acclaimed underwater survival game Subnautica, released in 2018, and its expansion Subnautica: Below Zero, released in 2021. The studio has been working on Subnautica 2, which was officially announced in December 2021. The legal battle had cast a shadow over the game's development, raising concerns about the future of the franchise and the studio's autonomy. The settlement signifies a move towards stability for Unknown Worlds and its ongoing projects.