KRAFTON Removes Original Leadership of Subnautica Developer Unknown Worlds

KRAFTON Appoints New Leadership at Unknown Worlds

This morning, KRAFTON, the renowned game development and publishing studio, announced a significant leadership shift at its subsidiary Unknown Worlds, the creative force behind the popular title Subnautica. This follows KRAFTON’s acquisition of Unknown Worlds in October 2021, the terms of which were not publicly disclosed. Now, in an unexpected move, the founding trio of Unknown Worlds—Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire—will be succeeded by Steve Papoutsis. Papoutsis, known for his pivotal role in the development of Dead Space at Visceral Games, previously helmed Striking Distance Studios, which is also part of the KRAFTON family and known for creating The Callisto Protocol.

Words from KRAFTON’s CEO

In a statement reflecting the company’s direction, CH Kim, CEO of KRAFTON, emphasized:

“There is nothing more important than the gamer experience. Given the anticipation around Subnautica 2, we owe our players nothing less than the best possible game, as soon as possible. KRAFTON puts players at the heart of every decision because they deserve the absolute best. We understand how eager our community is to dive into the underwater world of Subnautica 2, and we are working diligently to deliver an experience that meets those expectations—while maintaining our unwavering commitment to quality and player experience. We deeply appreciate the patience and trust of our Subnauts, and we are doing everything possible to ensure the final result is worth the wait.”

New CEO’s Vision for Subnautica

Steve Papoutsis, stepping into the role of CEO at Unknown Worlds, expressed his enthusiasm:

“I am thrilled to be taking on this new role within the KRAFTON family and to be working alongside the immensely talented team at Unknown Worlds. Player experience is our North Star, and the team is laser-focused on delivering the best possible game for the Subnautica community. We appreciate Ted, Charlie, and Max for their past roles in having built this beloved world, and thank the fans for your devotion and patience.”

What Lies Ahead for Subnautica 2

Subnautica 2 is eagerly anticipated and is set to launch in early access later this year on PC and Xbox Series S|X platforms. Additionally, players will be able to access the game through Game Pass, ensuring a wider reach within the gaming community.

As the development progresses, both fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to stay updated on the latest announcements from KRAFTON and Unknown Worlds, promising an exciting journey into the depths of the ocean with Subnautica 2.

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