Krafton CEO of AI First Company Reportedly Inquired ChatGPT About Avoiding Bonus Payments to Subnautica Developers

Krafton’s Shift to AI and Controversial Legal Allegations Unfold

In a significant move, Krafton has recently declared its intention to evolve into an “AI-first”organization. However, this commitment has been overshadowed by explosive claims in a pre-trial document pertaining to a legal dispute with the co-founders of Unknown Worlds, the team behind the popular game, Subnautica. Allegedly, Krafton’s CEO, Changham Kim, consulted ChatGPT, seeking strategies to avoid compensating the Unknown Worlds developers with a substantial $250 million bonus, which is at the heart of the ongoing conflict.

The Unexpected Legal Saga

The legal proceedings involving Unknown Worlds co-founders Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire against Krafton are among the most riveting narratives of 2025. This complex case, punctuated by a mixture of high financial stakes and the clash between a large corporation and independent creators, has captured the attention of gamers and legal analysts alike, leaving many unsure of who to side with.

Krafton’s Accusations

In its defense, Krafton has issued several serious allegations against the co-founders, claiming they abandoned their responsibilities within Unknown Worlds, engaged in theft against the company, and even aimed to tarnish the studio’s reputation in pursuit of financial gain.

Counterarguments from Unknown Worlds’ Founders

Conversely, the co-founders allege that Krafton’s management intentionally sabotaged the development of Subnautica 2 to prevent timely payment of the bonus. Notably, they claim that Kim acknowledged it would be deeply damaging and “hugely embarrassing”for Krafton to fulfill its financial obligations to Unknown Worlds.

Details of the Allegations

The pre-trial brief, available publicly, outlines Krafton’s alleged efforts to circumvent the bonus payments, revealing that Kim viewed paying the bonus not only as a financial disaster but also as a potential embarrassment for the company. The document references “Project X, ”an initiative purportedly aimed at delaying Subnautica 2’s release as a means of avoiding the payment. It states that Kim sought advice from ChatGPT regarding this dilemma, reflecting Krafton’s branding as an innovative, AI-oriented firm.

“Desperate to avoid such a professional embarrassment, ”the pre-trial brief reads, “Kim obsessed over finding a way to avoid Krafton’s obligation to pay the earnout.”

Further insights from the brief indicate that “Project X” involved rigorous strategies to mitigate the bonus, including potentially usurping control of Unknown Worlds’ digital presence. Krafton’s leadership is accused of coordinating efforts to convince the founding members to modify the bonus agreement or face severe repercussions.

Addressing Claims of Negligence

Additionally, Krafton has contended that the co-founders neglected their roles, citing Cleveland’s engagement in film projects as evidence. However, the pre-trial documentation disputes this narrative with Slack messages suggesting that Krafton was aware of Cleveland’s filmmaking ambitions and considered integrating them into his official responsibilities, particularly as prospects for a Subnautica film were emerging.

Consequences and Future Outlook

As the pre-trial brief culminates, the narratives being presented raise significant concerns about Krafton’s conduct throughout these proceedings. Nevertheless, the company maintains its posture, asserting that its ultimate aim is to deliver the best possible gaming experience to Subnautica fans. In a statement, Krafton emphasized that staffing changes were made to address perceived failures in leadership at Unknown Worlds and reiterated its commitment to legal accountability.

“At the heart of every decision Krafton makes are the fans who deserve the best possible experience, ”the statement read.

This legal contention presents an intriguing story, and as the trial progresses, updates are likely to reveal further details that could reshape the perceptions of those involved. We will keep you informed on future developments that cast light on this captivating case.