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Krafton defends game development amid Subnautica 2 controversy

Despite legal disputes, Krafton insists its milestone management is effective.

July 31, 2025 at 03:28 PM

Krafton defends itself amidst Subnautica 2 fiasco, says milestone process is being "rigorously managed"

Krafton insists it rigorously manages its game development process amid legal disputes over Subnautica 2.

Krafton addresses Subnautica 2 concerns while defending milestone management

Krafton has responded to concerns regarding the development of Subnautica 2 in light of legal challenges with former developers at Unknown Worlds. The company's chief financial officer, Dongkeun Bae, clarified that while discussions about legal matters may suggest poor management, they don’t reflect the reality of their internal processes. Bae emphasized that the delays and decisions around Subnautica 2 demonstrate effective milestone management. Krafton recently postponed the game's early access release to 2026 amid leadership changes and playtest feedback. Bae believes the popularity of the Subnautica franchise will drive sales upon release, regardless of the ongoing disputes. Amid these challenges, former game director Charlie Cleveland, dismissed from Unknown Worlds, announced legal action against Krafton, claiming the game was ready for release.

Key Takeaways

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Krafton insists its internal processes are not mismanaged despite legal challenges.

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Delays for Subnautica 2 were claimed as necessary for refinement, not mismanagement.

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Leadership changes at Unknown Worlds coincided with the game's postponement.

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Charlie Cleveland criticized Krafton’s portrayal of the game's readiness.

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Legal action has been initiated by former developers against Krafton.

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Public perception may influence the game's anticipated performance upon release.

"What we are seeking to do is, we want to make sure that we satisfy the highest level of satisfaction that the gamers have."

Bae underscores the company's commitment to gamer satisfaction despite internal turmoil.

"The actions that we have taken on Subnautica 2 actually represent that things are effectively being managed inside Krafton."

This quote illustrates Krafton's stance on its management processes amidst criticism.

"Subnautica 2 was in fact ready for its early access debut, despite what Krafton had suggested."

Cleveland's comment reflects disagreement over the game's readiness for release.

"We look forward to defending ourselves in court."

Krafton’s statement indicates its readiness for the upcoming legal confrontations.

Krafton’s defense of its milestone management reveals deeper tensions in video game development. The departure of key leadership alongside a significant delay raises questions about corporate governance and creative control. While Bae's assurances aim to stabilize investor confidence, the contentious atmosphere could hinder collaboration and innovation. Legal disputes often complicate development timelines, pushing companies to prioritize risk management over creative vision. The outcome of this situation may impact not only Krafton’s reputation but also its ability to attract top talent in a fiercely competitive industry.