The rollout surrounding the highly anticipated sequel, Subnautica 2, has plunged into turbulent waters following the game`s significant delay and the departure of key figures from developer Unknown Worlds. Publisher Krafton is now engaged in a public dispute, directly accusing the studio`s former leadership of abandoning their duties, a claim that emerges amidst growing fan discontent and calls for a boycott linked to potential financial incentives.
Initial fan backlash surfaced following the revised timeline for Subnautica 2, which shifted from an expected early access launch in early 2024 to a full release window sometime in 2026. This delay coincided with reports regarding the exit of Unknown Worlds` founding members, including Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire.
Fueling fan speculation was a community theory, gaining considerable traction online, suggesting the delay was strategically imposed by Krafton to avoid paying out a substantial bonus pool—reportedly up to $250 million—tied to Unknown Worlds hitting financial goals in 2025. This narrative painted Krafton as prioritizing financial maneuvers over developer compensation, leading some players to advocate for a boycott of the upcoming game.
In the wake of this negative reaction and public questioning, Krafton issued a pointed statement addressing the situation. The publisher`s response was notably forceful, asserting that the change in Unknown Worlds` leadership was “inevitable” and driven by “project abandonment” on the part of former executives.
Krafton elaborated on its position, specifically referencing the terms following its acquisition of Unknown Worlds. The publisher stated that a significant portion, 90% of the potential $250 million bonus payout, had been allocated to three former executives. This allocation, Krafton contends, was made with the explicit expectation that they would provide active leadership and involvement in the development of Subnautica 2. The publisher alleges these individuals subsequently “abandoned the responsibilities entrusted to them.”
Furthermore, Krafton`s statement made specific claims regarding the conduct of former director Charlie Cleveland. It asserted that following the underperformance of another Unknown Worlds title, Moonbreaker, Krafton requested Cleveland dedicate himself fully to Subnautica 2 development. However, according to Krafton, Cleveland declined to resume his role as Game Director and instead opted to focus on a personal film project, rather than engaging with game development.
The publisher firmly believes that the absence of this core leadership directly contributed to confusion regarding the project`s direction and resulted in significant schedule delays. Krafton also noted that the unreleased early access version of the game currently “falls short in terms of content volume,” implying it was not ready for its originally planned early 2024 release.
Krafton expressed profound disappointment with the conduct of the former leadership, stating, “we feel a profound sense of betrayal by their failure to honor the trust placed in them by our fans.”
Regarding the bonuses themselves, Krafton stated its commitment to providing “fair and equitable compensation” for the current team members who have contributed to Subnautica 2`s ongoing development. While reaffirming that the current team`s efforts are vital, the specifics of how this compensation will be structured, particularly in light of the alleged executive bonus issues and project delays, remain somewhat unclear.
This public disagreement between a major publisher and the former leadership of an acquired, respected studio highlights the complex dynamics and potential points of conflict that can arise in game development, particularly concerning project timelines, executive accountability, and the financial incentives tied to success.
Callum Darby