Subnautica 2 Founders V/s Krafton Clash Over Control
The world of Subnautica was always about deep exploration and silent mysteries. But now, the real drama is playing out on land. The original creators of Subnautica 2 have filed a lawsuit against Krafton. The charge? Corporate sabotage.
According to the founders, Krafton blocked the release of Subnautica 2 just to avoid paying a $250 million earn-out. This bonus was part of the acquisition deal when Krafton took over Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica.
The lawsuit claims Krafton delayed the game’s early access release on purpose. It also accuses the publisher of removing features, freezing marketing, and taking over the studio’s communication channels. All of this, the founders say, was done to miss key financial milestones. Missing those would let Krafton dodge the payout.
Broken Promises Lead to Subnautica 2 Founders V/s Krafton Legal Fight
The founders—Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire—once led the creative vision for Subnautica. Now, they say they were pushed out unjustly. Krafton replaced them in early July 2025 and appointed a new head. The company claimed the trio had abandoned their duties and focused on outside projects.
But the founders tell a different story. They say they were actively leading development. The early access build was ready, and the game’s wishlist numbers showed strong interest. According to them, everything was on track for a solid release.
The key problem lies in timing. The deal with Krafton promised a big bonus if the game hit certain performance marks before the end of 2025. The founders now believe Krafton delayed the project just long enough to miss that window.
Players React as Legal Storm Gathers
The community didn’t stay quiet. News of the founders being ousted spread fast. Fans took to forums and social media. Some began calling for a boycott of Subnautica 2. Others questioned if the game will remain true to its roots without the original team behind it.
Krafton, on the other hand, says it acted to protect the quality of the game. It claims the early version didn’t have enough content to justify a release. The publisher insists that delaying the launch was necessary to polish the experience.
Still, the legal documents suggest a different motive. They say Krafton interfered with game content, removed key assets, and blocked localization. This all allegedly happened in the months leading up to the founders’ removal. The lawsuit demands full compensation, legal fees, and a return of leadership rights.
What This Battle Means for Indie Studios
This legal showdown goes beyond one game. It raises questions about creative control in the gaming industry. Indie developers often rely on big publishers to reach global markets. But what happens when those publishers hold the purse strings and timelines?
The Subnautica 2 founders vs Krafton case shows how fragile these partnerships can be. One side wants creative freedom and fair payouts. The other wants control over business decisions and timelines. Somewhere in the middle, players wait for a game they’ve been promised for years.
As the lawsuit plays out, the future of Subnautica 2 hangs in the balance. The game may still launch later in 2025. But without the original team, fans fear it may lack the magic of the original.
Subnautica 2 was supposed to be a peaceful dive into the unknown. Instead, it’s now caught in a fierce legal current. The fight between the founders and Krafton could change how creative deals are made—and broken—in the world of gaming.
About the Author
