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Unknown Worlds Files Lawsuit Against Krafton

Former executives claim Krafton intentionally delayed Subnautica 2 to avoid a $250 million payout.

July 16, 2025 at 06:59 PM
blur Unknown Worlds Lawsuit Claims Krafton Intentionally Delayed Subnautica 2 To Avoid $250M Payout

A serious legal battle reveals tensions between Krafton and the founders of Unknown Worlds.

Krafton Faces Lawsuit Over Delayed Subnautica 2 Development

Last week, former Unknown Worlds executives filed a lawsuit against publisher Krafton, claiming the company intentionally delayed Subnautica 2 to avoid a $250 million payout. The lawsuit alleges that Krafton obstructed the game's development and fired the executives just months before a planned release. The executives argue that Krafton's actions aim to circumvent contractual obligations tied to the game's success. Krafton responded by stating the executives abandoned their responsibilities and defends its decisions as focused on delivering a high-quality game.

Key Takeaways

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Unknown Worlds lawsuits Krafton over alleged development delays
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Executives claim Krafton is avoiding a major bonus payout
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Krafton defends its actions as necessary for quality control
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The legal outcome may influence future publisher-developer relationships

"Krafton flagrantly breached both the letter and the spirit of the promises at the very core of its agreement to purchase Unknown Worlds."

This quote highlights the severity of the allegations against Krafton in the lawsuit.

"The El Segundo colleagues informed Gill that Krafton’s legal team was combing through the agreements looking for any opening to terminate the Founders."

This illustrates Krafton's alleged intentions and actions leading to the lawsuit.

"Krafton’s decisions were made to ensure Subnautica 2 is the best possible game."

Krafton's defense emphasizes their focus on quality over financial concerns amid the legal dispute.

This lawsuit highlights the growing tensions within the gaming industry regarding corporate governance and creative control. The allegations suggest a troubling trend where financial motives overshadow developmental integrity. As gaming companies navigate complex earnings structures, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how creative teams manage their relationships with corporate parent companies. The battle between financial interests and artistic vision remains as intense as ever.

Highlights

  • Krafton's actions raise serious questions about developer autonomy.
  • This lawsuit could redefine publisher-developer relationships in gaming.
  • At the heart of this case is a significant conflict over creative control.
  • What does the future hold for studios under corporate ownership?

Krafton's Legal Risk Over Contractual Breach

The ongoing lawsuit emphasizes significant financial and reputational risks for Krafton if they are found to have intentionally obstructed development to avoid payout obligations.

This case will be closely watched as it unfolds in the courts.

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