The behind-the-scenes drama of Subnautica 2 is rapidly changing into one of the vital intriguing gaming tales of the month, however in all probability not in the best way that Krafton meant. Within the wake of scorched-earth remarks from Krafton in regards to the former leaders of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds, studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, and former CEO Ted Gill are filling a lawsuit towards the corporate.
Cleveland announced the lawsuit on Reddit only a few days after indicating that Subnautica 2 is prepared for early-release. In response to an earlier report, the choice to half methods with former crew leaders and delay the sport was probably attributable to a $250 million bonus that Krafton was alleged to pay Unknown Worlds. That bonus is barely slated to be paid if Unknown Worlds reaches sure monetary numbers in 2025, which can be troublesome or inconceivable with out Subnautica 2 hitting early-access this yr as initially scheduled.
Krafton introduced the delay of the sport alongside the brand new trailer for Subnautica 2, nevertheless it was bombarded by damaging feedback in regards to the bonus amid requires a boycott towards the sport. In flip, Krafton released a scathing statement accusing Cleveland, McGuire, and Gill of abandoning their duties in the course of the improvement of Subnautica 2. Cleveland additionally shared his response to the corporate’s feedback.
“We have now filed a lawsuit towards Krafton: the main points ought to finally turn into (at the least principally) public,” wrote Cleveland. “You all deserve the total story. Suing a multi-billion greenback firm in a painful, public, and presumably protracted method was definitely not on my bucket record. However this must be made proper. Subnautica has been my life’s work and I’d by no means willingly abandon it or the wonderful crew that has poured their hearts into it.”
Cleveland thanked Subnautica followers for his or her help and addressed accusations that he and his companions meant to maintain the bonus for themselves.
“As for the earnout, the concept Max, Ted, and I needed to maintain all of it for ourselves is completely unfaithful,” mentioned Cleveland. “I am on this trade as a result of I find it irresistible, not for riches. Traditionally we have all the time shared our earnings with the crew and did the identical after we bought the studio. You will be damned positive we’ll proceed with the earnout/bonus as nicely. They deserve it for all their unimaginable work attempting to get this nice recreation into your arms.”
Subnautica 2 can be launched on Xbox Collection X|S and PC in 2026.