Krafton Settles Subnautica 2 Dispute, Bonuses for Devs

It looks like the turbulent waters surrounding Krafton and its subsidiary Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the studio behind the popular underwater survival game Subnautica 2, are finally calming down. After a lengthy legal battle, Krafton has reportedly settled with Unknown Worlds, and as part of the agreement, bonuses are set to be paid out to the studio's staff. This news comes from a Bloomberg report, shedding light on the resolution of a dispute that began last year.

The conflict arose when Krafton removed Unknown Worlds' co-founders, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill, just before a significant potential bonus of $250 million was on the table. This bonus was tied to specific financial targets and was intended to be shared among the studio's team. Following their ousting, the executives took legal action, which eventually led to a judge reinstating Gill as CEO in March.

Despite the internal drama, Subnautica 2 managed to launch in early access in May, and it seems to have been a resounding success. The game reportedly sold over four million copies within its first five days of release, indicating a strong player reception. While the full details of the settlement haven't been disclosed, the outcome suggests a path forward for both Krafton and Unknown Worlds, with the focus likely returning to the continued development and success of the Subnautica franchise. For the dedicated team at Unknown Worlds, this settlement should bring some much-needed closure and reward for their hard work on a game that has clearly resonated with players worldwide.