KRAFTON Validates Authenticity of Subnautica 2 Development Documents to Reduce Speculation

Current Turmoil in the Subnautica 2 Development Saga

At the start of 2025, few anticipated that the video game industry would witness a tumultuous clash between developer Unknown Worlds and its parent company KRAFTON over the much-anticipated Subnautica 2. Yet, as of now, this situation has spiraled into a highly public and convoluted conflict.

KRAFTON has confirmed the authenticity of leaked documents detailing Subnautica 2’s progress, aiming to reduce speculation surrounding the game’s development. The revelation, conveyed to platforms like Eurogamer, serves a dual purpose: it not only confirms the documents but also fosters a narrative of transparency.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Current Crisis

Two years prior, Unknown Worlds appeared to be thriving under KRAFTON’s ownership, with optimistic projections for a new Subnautica title by June 2025. The official reveal in October 2024 affirmed this positive trajectory.

However, when June 2025 arrived without the anticipated early access launch, chaos ensued:

On July 2, 2025, KRAFTON dismissed Unknown Worlds co-founders Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, appointing former Striking Distance Studios leader Steve Papoutsis in their stead. While KRAFTON expressed its intention to keep the original creators involved, it offered no explicit reasoning for their removal.
In response, on July 3, Unknown Worlds sought to reassure fans that the transition in leadership would not negatively impact the development of Subnautica 2.
The following day, Cleveland publicly described his exit as a “shock”and asserted that the game was “ready for early access release.”
Compounding the disarray, a July 9 report from Bloomberg suggested that Subnautica 2’s launch was pushed to 2026, jeopardizing the studio’s chances of attaining a $250 million bonus linked to revenue targets set with KRAFTON’s acquisition.
Shortly after, Unknown Worlds confirmed the game’s delay, citing feedback from internal playtests while KRAFTON stressed that financial motivations did not influence the decision.
On July 10, KRAFTON accused the dismissed co-founders of neglecting their duties, alleging that Cleveland prioritized personal projects over his professional responsibilities.
The day after, Cleveland and his co-founders announced they would be filing a lawsuit against KRAFTON, emphasizing that the $250 million bonus was intended to be shared with the wider development team.
Internal documents detailing the Subnautica 2 development process leaked online on July 11, revealing KRAFTON’s concerns about the game not meeting the necessary standards for launch.

KRAFTON’s Admission and the Implications

On July 14, amidst growing speculation, KRAFTON confirmed the authenticity of the leaked documents. The company sought to clarify the situation, stating that these documents were part of a routine internal review to evaluate the game’s progress.

KRAFTON reiterated its commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences and maintaining open communication with players during this tumultuous period. While acknowledging the game’s readiness concerns, KRAFTON positioned this admission as a step toward transparency rather than an admission of failure.

The Road Ahead

The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain. KRAFTON faces the challenge of substantiating its claims regarding the co-founders’ alleged abandonment of their roles and the game’s unpreparedness for launch. Meanwhile, the sentiments of gamers regarding KRAFTON’s commitment to player-centric practices will continue to be scrutinized.

As the lawsuit unfolds, with allegations of contract breaches by KRAFTON, the future remains ambiguous. Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire have not released any statements since the company confirmed the leaked documents, leaving fans and industry observers anticipating further developments.

One thing is clear: the narrative surrounding Subnautica 2 isn’t finalized. We will keep you updated as more information surfaces.

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