The delay of Subnautica 2 continues to spark controversy, with Krafton, the game’s publisher, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the studio’s leadership. In a detailed public statement, Krafton accused the founders of Unknown Worlds, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, of neglecting their responsibilities and focusing on personal projects instead of the development of Subnautica 2. 
According to Krafton, despite repeated requests to return to their roles as game director and technical director, Cleveland and McGuire refused, leading to a lack of direction and major delays in the game’s production.
The statement also highlights a $250 million bonus, which would have been awarded to the development team if revenue targets were met. Krafton claims that the majority of this bonus was intended for Cleveland, McGuire, and former CEO Ted Gill. However, following their removal from the project, it remains unclear whether this bonus will be paid out. Krafton has promised fair compensation for the remaining employees of Unknown Worlds, reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling the rewards they were promised.
The controversy deepened after the leadership reshuffle, which saw former Striking Distance CEO Steve Papoutsis take over the project. Cleveland expressed shock at the decision and claimed that Subnautica 2 was ready for an early release. His statement on Reddit, followed by a Bloomberg report, raised questions about the timing of the leadership change and the potential denial of bonuses. Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage, with some even organizing boycotts of the game.
As the drama unfolds, it’s clear that the future of Subnautica 2 is uncertain, with both legal and financial implications hanging in the balance.
1 comment
Sounds like bullshit