„Litigation may be looming” Subnautica 2 delay controversy continues as new details emerge

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It has been reported that there’s been a significant dispute regarding the postponement of Subnautica 2, with publisher Krafton being at the center of the controversy. According to Jason Schreier from Bloomberg, Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the creators of the Subnautica series, were expected to receive a $250 million bonus if they met specific sales targets by 2025, which could have been achievable if Subnautica 2 had been released in early access. Moreover, Krafton has recently dismissed the leadership team of the development studio, a move that seems to indicate an attempt by Krafton to dodge paying the substantial bonus. Since this news surfaced yesterday, additional details have emerged.

Subnautica 2 delay controversy is far from over, new details emerge, and litigation looms

Today, Schreier posted a pair of updates on Bluesky, revealing fresh details about today’s developments. As per the documents he received, approximately $25 million out of the $250 million bonus was intended for around 40 employees at Unknown Worlds, with varying amounts, mostly in six figures. The leadership also mentioned they would distribute portions to their staff as well. It must be incredibly disheartening to put in so much effort towards a promised goal, only to have it taken away just before reaching the finish line.

Certainly, the bonus we’re discussing was contingent upon meeting revenue goals. Unfortunately, we don’t know what that specific goal was yet, making it challenging to determine its feasibility. If even a game as popular as the second-most-wishlisted on Steam (launching in Early Access) couldn’t reach that target, then many other games might struggle as well. In his latest post on Bluesky, Schreier posits a thoughtful question: “Will Krafton adjust the contract to provide Unknown Worlds more time to meet those revenue goals, even after delaying Subnautica 2 until 2026?” This could be a promising solution, but given that such an adjustment hasn’t been announced yet, it wouldn’t necessarily restore the trust that Krafton has lost among its fanbase. If this was indeed the plan, Krafton should have communicated it promptly.

In a concluding remark, Schreier expresses a sense of foreboding: “Indeed, legal issues might be on the horizon. This tale, without a doubt, remains unfinished.” With several facts yet to unfold, it’s uncertain what steps the Unknown Worlds team may take. However, there’s widespread consensus that something suspicious has taken place here, with no intended pun. For now, we can only anticipate more information and observe how involved parties respond.

Based on the gameplay trailer unveiled yesterday, it seems like Subnautica 2 could offer an exciting cooperative adventure. Let’s hope any controversies don’t impede that experience.

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2025-07-10 23:32